Vendors given a 14-day ultimatum to leave streets

endors in Lilongwe and Blantyre have been given a two week grace period to get off the streets and relocate to designated market places or risk prosecution.

Minister of Local Government and Rural Development Grace Maseko, after the Lilongwe vendors had an audience with President Banda on Monday, warned the vendors that they will face the law if they fail to comply with the order to relocate by the July 20.

Maseko said “vendors should understand that laws have not changed in the current administration and street vending remains illegal.”

Chairman of Lilongwe Vendors James Soko said they would comply with the order adding that the vendors are impressed with the performance of the Banda administration as it has worked to deal with some of their challenges which.

Since President Joyce Banda took office in April, the major cities of the country have seen the vendors crawling back along the streets despite being removed from the places by the previous Mutharika government.