Kabwe vendors given October 1 deadline

Kabwe Municipal Council (KMC) has given vendors until October 1, 2026 to relocate their businesses to designated markets. KMC Public Relations Manager Chris Mulaliki said the measure was aimed at restoring order in the Central Business District (CBD) and other public spaces while…

 Kabwe Municipal Council (KMC) has given vendors until October 1, 2026 to relocate their businesses to designated markets.

KMC Public Relations Manager Chris Mulaliki said the measure was aimed at restoring order in the Central Business District (CBD) and other public spaces while ensuring that trading activities were conducted in safe and designated areas.

Speaking to  the  media  in an interview, Mr Mulaliki said the council had observed an increase in street vending and trading in undesignated areas, resulting in congestion, obstruction of pedestrians and challenges in waste management, as well as potential risks to public health and safety.

“Vendors should use the remaining period to voluntarily relocate their businesses to designated markets. We will continue engaging vendors and other stakeholders to facilitate an orderly transition,” he said.

Mr Mulaliki said the council had more than 1,000 trading spaces available in gazetted markets across the district.

He warned that the council would, after the deadline, commence enforcement measures against vendors operating in undesignated areas in accordance with applicable laws and council regulations.

“Street vending is illegal under the Local Government Act, read together with Statutory Instrument Number 12 of 2018 on Street Vending and Nuisances Regulations,” Mr Mulaliki said.

He said council police officers would conduct enforcement operations to ensure that vendors returned to designated markets and that illegal temporary structures were removed without further notice.

Mr Mulaliki appealed to vendors, traders and members of the public to cooperate with the initiative, saying the objective was not to prevent people from earning a living but to promote orderly trading, clean surroundings, public safety and a conducive environment for businesses and the wider community.

He also encouraged members of the public to support vendors by patronising businesses operating from designated markets.

Mr Mulaliki said the council remained committed to working with the trading community to promote sustainable livelihoods while maintaining orderly and well-managed public spaces.