THE Lusaka City Council (LCC) has reduced rentals for upstairs shops at Simon Mwewa Lane Market from K1,500 to K1,000 in an effort to encourage more traders to occupy the facility.
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The move was sealed during a council meeting last Friday after Kamwala Ward 5 Councillor Mainda Simataa stood up and boldly pushed a motion, arguing that the empty shops at Simon Mwewa Lane were simply too expensive for most traders.
Simataa further explained that the high cost of renting shops was one of the reasons many traders were shunning the market.
Lusaka Mayor Chilando Chitangala, who chaired the meeting, backed the idea, suggesting that the rentals be cut to K1,000, a suggestion that was unanimously adopted by the councillors.
The mayor explained that the move is aimed at increasing occupancy levels at the market and reducing the number of street vendors operating in the central business district.
However, she warned traders who have been allocated spaces but are not using them that the local authority will revoke such allocations and advertise the spaces to other interested traders.
“If you have a shop and you are not using it, we will revoke your allocation and give it to someone serious,” Chitangala warned.
Chitangala further urged all traders to adhere to market regulations and maintain high standards of hygiene and order in their trading spaces, adding that a clean and orderly market benefits everyone.
The reduction in rentals is part of a broader effort by the local authority to address the growing problem of street vending and to encourage traders to use designated trading spaces.
By George Musonda
Kalemba July 7, 2025
