Kariba Town Council has built a new vegetable and flea market business unit to help decongest the town. This state of the art structure is set to transform the face of Kariba Town, thus in turn changing the perception of informal trade amongst locals.
The vegetable and flea market structure, with a holding capacity of over 400 market stalls, is a product of devolution funds. It is anticipated that the construction of the structure will be complete before the onset of the rains.
Last year in May, the local authority demolished the old market shelter due to its poor standards and moved the vendors to a temporary market area. The construction commenced in April 2020.
Kariba Vendors and Traders Association Chairperson Mr Lloyd Matambo commended the decision undertaken by the local authority to construct Nyamhunda People’s Market.
“The sheds will help alleviate challenges faced by vendors especially during adverse weather conditions. Currently, our wares are being affected by the rains and the scorching sun.”
The town has been facing a shortage in trading spaces due to rapid growth in the informal sector. This has forced some traders to occupy undesignated spaces to sell their wares. However, local authority enforcement officers are frequently in running battles with the traders who sell their wares on roadsides, in their cars and other undesignated points. The council has bemoaned the disregard for basic public health and safety regulations by these informal traders.
The vegetable and flea market structure will enable informal trade to be conducted within the confines of public safety and at the same time facilitate revenue generation by the local authority.