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🇨🇩 DR Congo /Disasters & Emergencies

Lubumbashi vendors must vacate market by August 20 for reconstruction

From Radio Okapi · () French

Translated from French, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Sources not specified New plan
  • Lubumbashi authorities have ordered vendors at the Mzee Kabila market to vacate by August 20 to make way for a modern market reconstruction project.
  • Tens of thousands of vendors will be relocated to other markets in the city, a move that has raised concerns about potential income loss, especially with the upcoming school year.
  • Provincial officials are proceeding with the reconstruction timeline despite vendor anxieties and previous protests, aiming to begin construction on the new market soon.

Vendors at Lubumbashi's Mzee Kabila market face an August 20 deadline to relocate, as provincial authorities plan to demolish the current site for a modern market.

The decision, made during a meeting led by interim Haut-Katanga governor Martin Kazembe, will see tens of thousands of traders moved to various city markets, including Ruashi Central, Kamalondo, Kaseba, and Plaine.

Authorities state the relocation is necessary to begin construction of a new market that meets current standards. Governor Kazembe urged vendors to cooperate, emphasizing the project's aim for modernization.

However, the move has sparked significant worry among many vendors. They fear a drop in customer traffic and reduced income, particularly as they face expenses for the upcoming school year. This relocation plan has previously caused tension, with some vendors submitting a memorandum to the provincial assembly detailing their concerns.

Despite these reservations, provincial officials are sticking to their schedule, intending to clear the site for the future modern market's construction.

We have people from Berlin, Kiel, Frankfurt and also from the Stuttgart region as guests.

— Nils BoelmannEvent manager Nils Boelmann described the broad geographical reach of participants at the Montgolfiade.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Radio Okapi in French. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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