City clarifies new market stalls allocation

Phase 1 of the Empangeni market stalls, consisting of 40 units, has been completed and is ready to be allocated

1 hour ago

Muzi Zincume 2 minutes read

New market stalls ready to be allocated to street vendors PHOTO: Muzi Zincume

Tension has arisen over the allocation of new market stalls constructed by the City of uMhlathuze in the Empangeni CBD.

Mthokozisi Nkosi, chairman of the Informal Traders’ Committee, alleges the city is bringing in new traders, rather appointing local traders.

Commenting on the original discussion, he says they were informed the upgrade would attract investors.

“We agreed with them as it made good sense, and we moved to make a way for the development,” he explains, saying they were then asked to form a committee, for which he was elected chairman.

“The agreement with the city was that when construction of these new stalls was completed, those who were removed would be given preference, followed by venders working along Maxwell and Commercial streets.”

However, Nkosi alleges city officials have said only those removed from the spot would be accommodated in the new stalls, with the remainder allocated according to the city’s waiting list database.

“We have engaged with city management and they are not willing to change their minds. This means the city is bringing new people to occupy these market stalls which would not reduce the number of vendors working on the pavements.

“This also gives the impression that the city’s intention was not to make our town attractive, but to provide stalls to selected individuals and leave the rest of us exposed to the scorching sun and rain,” he said.

However, city spokesperson, Simphiwe Makhanya, refutes this, stating the allocation of trading stalls prioritises those with permits working along Maxwell and Commercial streets.

He says Phase 1 of the market stalls, consisting of 40 units, has been completed and is ready to be allocated.

“According our concept plan, 20 trading stalls will be allocated to traders with permits who were trading in Commercial and Maxwell Streets – where the new trading stalls are located.

“Another 10 trading stalls will be allocated to traders along Maxwell Street – located on Phase 3 construction site. The remaining 10 trading stalls will be allocated traders from different streets within Empangeni CBD,” Makhanya said.

He added that street vendors on their database will be catered for in other phases of the development.

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