By Innocent Manda
Lilongwe, June 04, Mana: Lilongwe District Council has announced that the long-awaited Chiuzira Market Shed will officially open its doors in July this year in a bid to boost local economic infrastructure, enhance public health standards, and streamline informal trading systems.
The development, which aligns with the Malawi 2063 agenda of achieving urban resilience and inclusive wealth creation, aims to decongest the existing market space, promote hygienic trading conditions, and unlock new streams of non-tax revenue (NTR) for the council.
Speaking in an interview with Malawi News Agency on Wednesday, Director of Finance (DoF) for Lilongwe District Council, Charles Mhone, described the initiative as a strategic intervention that serves both fiscal and social development objectives.
“Currently, we are not collecting any revenue from the vendors at Chiuzira Market, but once the marketing shed becomes operational, we expect to generate approximately MK400,000 per day. This will significantly improve our revenue base and enhance service delivery at the grassroots,” said Mhone.
Mhone further noted that while revenue generation is a welcome outcome, the primary intention of the council is to improve the socio-economic resilience of the Chiuzira community through dignified and sustainable trading spaces.
“This market is more than just a revenue channel, it’s a community empowerment tool. We're creating an enabling environment for micro and small-scale entrepreneurs, particularly women and youth, to operate in safer, more structured conditions,” he added.
The Director of Finance also assured traders and stakeholders that the facility will be opened on schedule.
“As a Council, we understand we are only remaining with a few final touches such as installing signage and completing sanitation facilities. We are committed to operationalizing this market in July to decongest traffic and restore sanity in the area,” Mhone emphasized.
Local leaders have welcomed the development with optimism. Senior Group Village Head Chiuzira expressed gratitude for the project, noting the dire need for improved market infrastructure.
“Overcrowding at the market has been a serious health concern, especially during the rainy season when people sell food items directly on muddy ground. This compromises food safety and increases the risk of communicable diseases like cholera and diarrhea,” said Chief Chiuzira.
The traditional leader also appealed to residents to remain patient and cooperative as the finishing works continue.
“We understand that more needs to be done, but we ask our people to be corporative. Government is committed, and once everything is complete, Chiuzira Market will be one of the best organized and safest trading places in the area,” he added.
Once completed, the new Chiuzira Market Shed is expected to accommodate over 700 vendors and will feature paved floors, designated waste collection points, and improved water and sanitation facilities, a significant step forward in formalizing Lilongwe’s informal economy.
