M’mbelwa District Council has intensified measures aimed at improving sanitation and restoring order in public trading spaces, starting with Jenda Market, council authorities have confirmed.
Acting Director of Administration for M’mbelwa District Council, Veston Mulungu, said the council has elevated sanitation to a high-priority issue, describing it as critical to public health, environmental safety, and effective market management.
Mulungu told Malawi24 that the council has already implemented interventions at Jenda Market, where vendors who were previously operating in undesignated areas have been successfully relocated to authorised trading zones.
“We have taken the issue of sanitation seriously and addressed it at the appropriate level. Our initial focus has been Jenda Market, where we have managed to move vendors from unauthorised locations to designated vending areas,” said Mulungu.
He explained that the exercise forms part of a broader strategy to improve cleanliness, reduce congestion, and ensure compliance with market regulations.
According to the council, vending in unapproved areas has significantly contributed to sanitation problems, including waste accumulation, blocked walkways, and challenges in maintaining hygienic conditions. Authorities warn that such conditions pose health risks to both traders and customers.
Mulungu emphasised that the relocation initiative is not intended to disrupt vendors’ livelihoods, but rather to create a safer and more organised trading environment.
“Our goal is not to punish vendors, but to promote a trading system that benefits everyone. Properly designated vending spaces make it easier to manage waste, maintain hygiene, and improve the overall appearance of the market,” he said.
He further indicated that the council will continue monitoring the situation at Jenda Market while extending similar measures to other trading centres across the district.
The council has also urged vendors and the general public to cooperate with authorities, stressing that sanitation is a shared responsibility.
Commenting on the development, Rev. Moses Nkhana, Executive Director of the Mzimba Youth Organization (MYO), commended the council for the initiative, describing poor sanitation as a long-standing challenge in many trading centres.
“This is a commendable step by the council. Sanitation has been a persistent problem in many markets and public spaces, affecting both business operations and public health. Efforts such as these are necessary to ensure cleaner, safer, and more dignified trading environments,” said Nkhana.
Public health advocates have frequently warned that poor sanitation in markets can contribute to the spread of diseases, particularly in densely populated trading areas.
Local government officials believe the latest interventions will significantly improve health standards and market operations.
