President Dr.Lazarus Chakwera says clean and peaceful cities are a possibility if every citizen and all key stakeholders work together and timely resolve arising issues.
Chakwera was speaking at Kamuzu Palace in Lilongwe in a fifth weekly radio address to the nation.
The President observed that it is slowly degenerating into a tradition that street vendors and Council officials engage in disputes on vending.
In the just ended week, street vendors within the Capital City were told by the city authorities to move their benches away from unauthorized places like sidewalks and relocate to designated markets a thing that did not amuse the vendors.
“These running battles between city authorities and street vendors have become a yearly staple, which is clearly a sign that we need a more lasting solution to the problems our street vendors need us to solve,” said Chakwera.
The Malawi leader commended the vendors for seeking dialogue with the Council saying, “they be commended for marching peacefully, but also for raising such pertinent issues as the lack of space for plying their trade.”
Some take home points:
- Vendors and city authorities should not treat each other as adversaries.
- Business and State actors to collaborate on innovative solutions facing the country’s cities.
- Urgent need for regular cleaning, quality and safety checks.
- Need for diligent collection or payment of city rates.
- Encourage proper disposal of trash and waste management.
As a way forward the President said he will engage with Councillors from the four main cities of the country (Blantyre, Zomba, Lilongwe and Mzuzu) starting with the 27 Councillors of Lilongwe City.
The Malawi leader has since pledged total support to city councils saying under his Administration the city authorities will receive the assistance they need to serve the country’s citizens with excellence.
