Mansel Road traders celebrate new R29m market investment
A R29m municipal investment has revived the Mansel Road Market and the hopes of stallholders amid security improvements.
MANSEL Road Market stallholders are rejoicing at the City’s investment into livelihood and business development.
The eThekwini Municipality handed over 100 new stalls with lockable doors, electricity and ablution facilities to Church Walk traders. The Mansel Road Market Development Project cost the city R29m.
It’s money well spent, according to trader Mboneni Qwabe. “When I first arrived here, we sold our goods from car boots. Later we moved into containers, but the containers rusted badly because we are close to the sea. They became unsafe for both traders and customers.
He said receiving a proper stall with electricity and a lockable door means a lot. “It gives us security, dignity and a better place to work. We can now focus on growing our businesses and providing better service to our customers,” said Qwabe.
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The Municipality also handed over 53 trading permits following the Informal Vacant Stalls Advertisement. During the handover Economic Development and Planning Committee chairperson, councillor Thembo Ntuli, welcomed the project and praised eThekwini for supporting the informal economy by creating entrepreneurship opportunities.
“Through the Mansel Road Market Development, we are building on the Municipality’s ongoing support for traders by providing improved infrastructure that enhances safety, dignity and business operations. This investment is about creating sustainable opportunities and ensuring that informal traders continue to play a central role in Durban’s economic growth and development,” said Ntuli.
With Phase One complete the Executive Director for Economic Development and Planning, Lihle Phewa, confirmed that Phase Two is underway and will add 86 stalls.
“In addition to improving trading conditions, the project has already generated 55 temporary employment opportunities for local residents and created work for four local subcontractors, ensuring that the investment delivers direct benefits to surrounding communities,” said Phewa.
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