TRADERS at Lumumba Roadside Market formerly operating at Munyaule Market in Lusaka have appealed to government to intervene and halt their looming eviction by the Lusaka City Council (LCC).
The traders who have been given a notice of eviction within seven days by the LCC in order to pave way for the rehabilitation of the drainage system around their trading space said they are not ready to relocate to temporary trading spaces behind BH and New Soweto markets.
The marketeers cited inadequate infrastructure, unresolved sanitation issues and lack of meaningful dialogue with the authorities.
Last week, Local Government and Rural Development Minister Gary Nkombo also ordered the traders to vacate the area to allow for drainage construction works aimed at mitigating flooding in the central business district.

Nkombo who inspected the site stated that the notice period for the demolition of makeshift stalls had elapsed and urged for a smooth relocation process.
The traders, however, decried the decision claiming that it will devastate their livelihoods.
According to a concerned trader and representative of the traders John Shuko, the demolition of the structures will lead into losses for the traders’ businesses.
“We are saddened by LCC’s abrupt intention to evict us without any dialogue. This site was allocated to us by the council and we have been paying levies of K150 per month per stall. Where is that money going if not to improve the market? Now they want us to move without even consulting us or providing adequate alternatives,” lamented Shuko.
The traders claimed that they have made significant investments in the current site which was valued at approximately K2 billion in materials and infrastructure.
They also alleged that LCC collected K367,500 in levies from 350 traders over the past months and an additional K650,000 for space allocation.

“We are partners of the government and local authorities. We appreciate the initial engagement when we moved from Munyaule to this site but this time there has been no consultation,” claimed Shuko.
“The proposed relocation site is not fit for business due to sewage issues and limited space to accommodate over 300 traders.”
Speaking at a press briefing yesterday, another marketeer criticised their area councilor Masauso Ngoma and accused him of misrepresenting their concerns to the government and prioritising personal gain over the welfare of his constituents.
The traders called on President Hakainde Hichilema to intervene and ensure that their voices are heard and livelihoods protected.
“The place selected for us to relocate to, requires us to pay K10, 000 but we don’t have that kind of money. I am just a widow,” cried Precious Chitangula.
“When we elect leaders, we expect them to serve us not treat us like subjects. The government must ensure this process is handled fairly. We are not against the development but it must be done with consultation and respect for those who will be affected. We cannot simply be forced out without a plan that ensures we can continue to provide for our families.”
The traders also proposed a dialogue with LCC to reach a compromise.
They also demanded compensation for the losses they anticipate due to the sudden eviction, including refunds of levies, space payments and material costs.
By Catherine Pule
Kalemba, December 5, 2024