is back on the streets by ensuring that all streets are clear of vendors.The council says it will from now crack down on street vending and was impressed by the actions of the vendors who went on the streets protesting street vending.

One of the leaders of the disgruntled vendors, Laison Chinunga, told Zodiak Online the main problem was that street vendors were blocking prospective customers from accessing designated markets, thereby, disadvantaging those legally selling wares in the designated markets.

“The city council has assured us that they will continue from where we have stopped. At least we have given them enough ammunition to carry on with the operation,” Chinunga said.

Political tension currently in the country has prevented the city council from acting on increased presence of vendors on the streets of Lilongwe.

Director of Commerce and Trade at Lilongwe City Council, Genscher M’bwabwa, says since the exercise has been initiated by vendors themselves, it should be easier to clear the streets.

“People know that Lilongwe City has enough markets, and all those street vendors have spaces in those markets, including in the outskirts.

“What has happened will make our job easy. We promise to continue and finish the job,” he said.

Meanwhile, the market vendors say will closely monitoring the situation and return to the streets if the Lilongwe City Council is seen dragging its feet on the issue.