THERE is just no way for a community to survive without trade and markets represent the most basic component of the Zambian economy and so the announcement on the impending Kapalala Market construction is more than welcome.In the midst of the fire tragedy, we saw many community leaders expressThe majority of Zambia’s labour force is taken up by informal employment and most urban settlements are as a result of mining and trade activities that attracted scores of peopleThe markets also provide the much needed platform for small scale farmers to supply.Construction of the Kapalala Market in Masala Township in Ndola will start in two weeks, the Ndola City Council (NCC) has confirmed.According to the council, this will involve the initial stage of constructing one market shelter at a cost of about K2.7 million which will take about two months.In August 2017, thousands of traders were left in destitute after the vast market in the sprawling Masala Township caught fire and burnt everything to ashes.With the imminent rain season and in light of the fallout from Covid-19 it is heartening to know that thousands of traders can now see light at the end of the tunnel.It has been a difficult period for many people but with the erection of modern infrastructure many of the outstanding issues related to sanitation at markets will be addressed.Also, the operations of markets in recent months has seen stricter adherence to public health guidelines as well as security.
The leadership of the National Traders and Marketeers Association of Zambia (NATMAZ) has seen empowerment programmes being launched in several markets across the country.
Thousands of traders have benefitted from seed funds to enable them conduct business.President Lungu has time and again mentioned how he owes his education and career in law to the hard work of a marketer guardian.Indeed marketeers play an important role in our community and they deserve to trade with dignity.It is hoped that the politics of market places will not rear its head as stalls are being allocated.Council Public Relations Manager, Rebecca Mushota, has said traders would move in as soon as the shelter was completed.“The Zambia Army has been contracted and the funds have been raised from Constituency Development Fund for Kabushi constituency, part of the equalisation fund and a contribution from the Copperbelt Provincial Office,” she said.Ms Mushota explained that some of the material were already on site ready for commencement of the project.She further appealed to the residents and traders to remain patient as the council was embarking on the reconstruction of the market.The Public Relations Manager has advised traders to desist from using braziers in the market and leaving them unattended.Ms Mushota maintained that the new market would have better extinguishers and take into consideration all possible disasters and prevent them from recurring.Indeed, we should learn from our past and aspire for a better future.It is essential that as the construction of the market begins, the marketeers should also begin to map out strategies to benefit from the growing population and demand for goods.
From the ashes, Kapalala market must rise as a shining example to tothers.
