By JOHN SAKALA
Solwezi Municipal Council has banned street vending in an effort to curb Corona virus (Covid-19).
Solwezi Municipal Council Assistant Public Relations Manager Esther Chirwa said street vending has been banned in order to curb the pandemic which has devastating effects on both the social and economic being of people and the country.
Ms Chirwa said streets have no facilities like toilets and running water thereby posing a threat of spreading the COVID-19.
“The Local Authority has therefore commenced the enforcement of the Statutory Instrument No. 22 of 2020 which has mandated the Council to prohibit street vending.
“Solwezi Council in conjunction with Zambia Police will be conducting inspections in public places and street patrols to check on compliance from henceforth. If a person fails to comply, will be liable, on conviction, to a fine not exceeding two thousand five hundred penalty units an equivalent of K750.00 or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 6 months, or to both,” he said.
She advised street vendors to go back to the markets as public health being encouraged is for the good of the economy of Zambia and the wellbeing of all.
Ms Chirwa said in an event that some individuals or business houses are found contravening the provisions of statutory instrument no. 22 of 2020, members of the public are encouraged to get in touch with the office of the Town Clerk, Public Health Department or Public Relations section on 0977692873, 0978018639 or 0965140725,” she said.
