By Mabvuto Kalawa, Malawi Freedom Network Correspondent

Vegetable vendors at Nathenje Market in Lilongwe have refused to occupy newly constructed market sheds, citing disagreements over the continued operation of other vendors selling their produce outside the market premises.

The vendors argue that they cannot move into the new facilities while some traders are allowed to operate from a privately owned shed located near the market, where they claim business is thriving. They have since called on authorities to address the issue before they can start using the newly constructed sheds.Nathenje Parish Launches Fundraising Initiative

Mr Chiso Banda, a tomato and vegetable vendor operating from the old market sheds, said they feel disadvantaged because vendors outside the market are attracting more customers. He said authorities should first ensure that all traders are operating from the newly constructed facilities before forcing them to relocate.

“We cannot use the new sheds because authorities are failing to encourage our friends outside the market to move inside. They are selling their products quickly because they attract many customers, so why should we be forced to move while they remain outside?” he questioned.

Another vendor, Mrs Moyo, said market users were not consulted during the planning and construction process. She claimed that the presence of a privately owned vegetable shed near the market has created unfair competition among traders.Catechist Urges Christians in Nathenje to Prioritize Prayer and Thanksgiving

She questioned why authorities allowed a businessman to construct a shed close to the market instead of identifying another location. According to her, the decision has created divisions among vendors and affected their businesses.

Another vendor accused local authorities of making a mistake by allowing private traders to operate near the market while public facilities remain unused. She said the situation has created unnecessary competition among people who are supposed to work together.

However, Mrs Phiri, a vendor selling Irish potatoes and vegetables from the private shed outside the market, defended their position, saying their presence was not the cause of the problem.

She explained that they were forced to seek alternative space after failing to secure places inside the market. According to her, they were being asked to pay for spaces, something they could not afford at the time.

Mrs Phiri said the businessman who constructed the private shed helped them by providing a place where they could conduct their businesses. She described him as a person who came to their rescue when they were struggling to find trading space.Nathenje Parish Empowers Committees with Girls Hostel Handover

“He is not the problem. He helped us because we needed a place to sell our products. The problem started because our friends inside the market and market authorities did not provide us with enough space,” she said.

Mr Jeremiah Chiphangwi, a hardware trader inside Nathenje Market, also defended vendors operating outside, saying they attract customers because their products are affordable and the location is convenient for many people.

He, however, raised concerns over poor sanitation facilities at the market, particularly the lack of proper toilets. He warned that during the rainy season, traders and customers could be exposed to waterborne diseases such as cholera.

Mr Chiphangwi appealed to the council to address sanitation challenges and improve conditions at the market. He said resolving the challenges would benefit both traders and customers.

Efforts to obtain comments from market officials were unsuccessful as they declined to grant interviews to the reporter. However, the area’s councillor, Honourable Mphatso Chilomba, said he was aware of the challenges and would engage both groups of vendors to find a lasting solution.

The councillor, who has only been in office for eight months, said he would work with stakeholders to encourage vendors to use the newly constructed sheds. He said the facilities were built to improve trading conditions and help the council generate revenue.

“It is unfortunate to see people not using modern market facilities that were constructed to benefit them. I will engage both sides so that we find a solution,” said Councillor Chilomba.

The market sheds were constructed through the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) and were officially opened in 2024 by the area’s Member of Parliament. The facilities were intended to provide a safer and more organised trading environment for vendors and customers.