Petauke and Ndola Councils Order Street Vendors Into Designated Markets

Two local authorities in Eastern and Copperbelt provinces have directed street vendors operating in undesignated areas to move into designated markets, warning that those who fail to comply will face enforcement action.

In Petauke, the Town Council has called on vendors operating at Katambalala, along Ekada Road, at the bus station and around Choppies Supermarket to register their businesses and obtain market stands at the Civic Centre.

In a notice dated October 9, 2026, the council said the registration and allocation exercise would run from Monday, October 12, to Tuesday, October 13. It urged affected vendors to use the opportunity to secure designated trading spaces.

The council said street vending is regulated under the Local Government (Street Vending and Nuisances) (Amendment) (No. 2) Regulations, 2018, read together with the Public Health Act. It reminded traders that they are required to operate in designated markets and comply with the applicable laws.

Petauke Town Council warned that vendors who fail to comply with the notice would face enforcement action in accordance with the law. The notice was signed by Council Secretary Kelvin Banda.

A similar directive has been issued in Ndola, where the City Council has given street vendors operating in the Central Business District and other undesignated areas one week to relocate to designated markets.

The council said enforcement would begin once the seven-day sensitisation period expires. It added that more than 1,000 trading spaces are available across various markets in the city and urged traders to use the period to secure a space and formalise their businesses.

In a statement issued on Sunday, Ndola City Council Public Relations Manager Rebecca Mushota said the directive followed engagements involving Mayor Kennedy Kasaba, traders and relevant authorities aimed at addressing street vending in the city.

“During this week, traders are expected to engage Ndola City Council and acquire a trading space in the various...” the statement read in the portion available.

Photo Source: Global Press Journal