Marythar Kambinda
Aron Mushaukwa
KATIMA MULILO – Street vendors at Katima Mulilo are unhappy after being stopped from selling along the streets of Katima Mulilo by the town council in what they see as unfair treatment.
The town councillors paid a visit to the vendors on Wednesday to explain the situation. The vendors were, however, not pleased by their presence.
The vendors, who vented their frustration, said they have been relocated to a place where they are unlikely to make any profit due to the distance from their customers, which is not favourable for them.
“How are we going to survive with our children who are now left to go to school without food, as we have lost our customers? Most of those who come here will only buy from their family members. We have nothing to take home in the evening because of this,” said one of the vendors who did not want to be named.
The Katima Mulilo Town Council members informed the vendors that they would be given space for selling their products at the market and other designated areas.
“Due to safety concerns, as road accidents are increasing, as well as lack of ablution facilities, we are left with no choice but to enforce law and order. Everyone is selling on the streets and there is no control,” said chairperson of management committee John Ntemwa.
Local authority councillor Watson Kalaluka informed the vendors they understood their concerns and town council would ensure they have better facilities.
“We are here with you today because we care, but due to the law and safety concerns, selling on the streets cannot continue,” said Kalaluka.
One of the street vendors, Mercy Maswabi, said she understood what the politicians are telling them but does not agree with their way of doing it.
“I have not sold anything since morning, and therefore will not be able to take any meat home for dinner. What will I feed my children tonight? My kids will sleep without anything to eat.
We have been informed that they will move us to the market but we are a lot. I had asked for a stand at the market before and I was informed that there is no space, so I had no choice but to continue selling in the street,” said Maswabi.
Street vendors further complained that they were not given ample time to prepare for the relocation. “We were just informed on Friday last week that we should pack up as we would be removed by Monday,” said a seemingly agitated vendor.
“Some of us are graduates with diplomas and degrees and have been unable to find employment. Where will I find N$50 000 to pay a bribe in order to get a job? questioned another street vendor.
Nanvula Lilungwe said: “They are chasing everyone off the streets including Zimbabweans and Zambians. We, however, have no problem with Zimbabweans as they do not sell the same products that we sell. Our problem are the Zambians because we sell the same products.”
Meanwhile, well-known street vendor Judith Limbo (48) who was positioned in front of a local retailer collapsed and later died at the Katima Mulilo state hospital on Monday following a confrontation with the local police.
According to Zambezi police spokesperson Kisco Sitali, the cause of death is not yet confirmed, as they were still waiting for the autopsy results.
However, unconfirmed reports stated she died due to high blood pressure.