By KALOBWE BWALYA
WE have not allocated any shops in the newly constructed Simon Mwewa Lane Market contrary to speculations that only political cadres have been given trading spaces in the new market, Lusaka Town clerk Alex Mwansa has said.
Mr Mwansa explained that the process of allocation of stands at Simon Mwewa Lane Market has not yet started because the Lusaka City Council is waiting for the commissioning of the market by the government.
In an interview with the Daily Nation, Mr Mwansa said the local authority has not even started receiving application letters from the public.
Mr Mwansa however disclosed that he was aware of the unsolicited application letters at the council, but they are not official.
He said when time comes to allocate the shops, LCC will advertise in the media because the process is meant for the general public.
And Mr Mwansa said the local authority will use a very transparent and creditable criteria which will involve all stakeholders in the process so that they also have a voice.
“Lusaka City Council has not yet allocated any stands in the newly constructed Simon Mwewa Lane Market contrary to speculations from the general public, however the local authority is only waiting for the commissioning of the market by the government then the local authority will call for application letters from the general public,” said Mr Mwansa.
And Mr Mwansa however disclosed that preference will be given to those that were dislodged from City market, including street vendors that are still vending in the corridors of the central business district.
He added vendors that are trading in Lumumba and Freedom Way will be the first priority to be given trading places as the local authority wants to decongest the city.
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