By IREEN MULENGA
Serenje Town Council Chairperson Staivious Mulumba has handed over an ablution block to Ibolelo market in the district.
Mr Mulumba said that the newly-constructed ablution block was funded using the Local Government Equalization Fund (LGEF) which is meant for capital projects.
“Am happy to welcome you all to this momentous occasion where Serenje Town Council has recorded yet another milestone in service provision to the community.
“What we are witnessing today is a clear demonstration of the Local Authority’s commitment in delivering quality service provision in our district,” he said.
Mr Mulumba said that the contract was awarded to Jiulu General Trading and Contractors company at a total contract sum of K147, 809.12.
He said the Ministry of Local Government and rural development has always guided Local Authorities across the country that they must provide decent trading places for vendors before removing them from the streets.
Mr Mulumba said for this reason that Serenje Town Council has decided to construct a decent ablution block in order to make this market a conducive trading place.
He said the construction of this new ablution block at Ibolelo market clearly demonstrates the government’s love for the people in the informal sector.
Mr Mulumba said Government and civic leaders’ mandate to provide decent trading places for traders even before asking them to leave the streets.
“This facility has been constructed using public funds therefore, I want to urge the market committee and the residents at large to guard this property jealously because government through the local authority has spent a lot of money in ensuring that this community has a decent trading place by providing this ablution block, hence I do not expect lawlessness by those who are in a habit of vandalizing government properties,” he said.
He said he was not happy at the manner in which street vendors have been running away from markets which are designated places of trading on account of not having stands or shops.
Mr Mulumba said the local authority does not expect street vending to continue trading especially along Nganswa road because they have provided enough shelter for everyone and clean toilets with running water.
