By Golden Kang’oma

Salima, February 3, Mana: Vendors at Kaphatenga Market in Salima have resolved their grievances with Salima District Council and have agreed to resume paying market fees as the Council has constructed a toilet at the facility.

For some time, vendors at the market have boycotted paying market fees saying the Council was failing to construct a toilet and other sanitary services.

Speaking to Malawi News Agency (MANA) on Friday, Salima District Council Chairperson, Chifungo Katoweka, said the Council has now constructed the toilet at the market to ensure that there is hygiene.

“We are not only looking at the fees that we collect at the market but also the well-being of the people doing business at the premises. So, after receiving concerns from the vendors, we discussed with them on how we could address the challenges,” said Katoweka.

He hailed the vendors for being patient for a long period and for resuming paying market fees saying that is the only way the market can grow.

Kaphatenga Market Vendors Chairperson, Kingsley Kachitsa, said the facility has come at a right time when vendors and customers were helpless.

“We are glad that the Council has heard our concerns. We were at risk of waterborne diseases, especially during rainy season, but with this facility such diseases will be prevented,” he said.

Kachitsa promised the Council that they will no longer boycott paying market fees and has, therefore, appealed to the Council to ensure that all necessary services are provided at the market.

He said the vendors are expecting more development projects from the Council.