By Aliko Munde

Chitipa, February 21, Mana: Some vendors in Chitipa District have asked Chitipa District Council to consider constructing more market shades at Ibugulira Market in Senior Chief Mwenewenya in the district.

Godfrey Kaonga, who plies his trade at Ibugulira Trading Centre, said the two shades which were constructed by the district council are not enough to accommodate all the traders.

Kaonga said one market shade accommodated vegetable traders and the other shade accommodates fish sellers.

“Fish sellers are many and one shade for them is not enough. We need more market shades not only for fish sellers but even for other traders. If the district council can construct four other market shades it will help alleviate the challenge we are facing,” Kaonga said.

Another trader, Joice Mbale, said currently most traders have constructed grass-thatched benches, which he said are just temporary.

“If the district council can even allow traders to construct their shades or shops it can help improve the situation,” Mbale appealed.

Director of Public Works for Chitipa District Council, Engineer Misheck Gondwe said currently, the district council does not have plans to construct other shades at Ibugulira.

“The traders will be allowed to construct their structures after mapping the area by lands department,” Gondwe said.

The two Ibugulira Market shades were constructed under the District Development Fund (DDF).