Mzuzu City Council (MCC) is exploring ways to fight illegal vending and turn it into a cash cow to boost the city’s revenue base. According to deputy mayor, Alexander Mwakikunga, the council is losing a lot of money due to illegal street vending.
Many traders resort to illegal vending to evade market fees while others have no space in existing markets in the city. In an interview, the deputy mayor underscored the need to meet the vendors and jointly identify a place where they will be doing business and paying market fees.
Mwakikunga asked the vendors to come up with a committee before they meet with the city council in order to map a way forward. He also hinted at plans to start collecting fees in the evening when many people ply their trade after 5pm.
