Lilongwe City Council has ordered the closure of Solomoni Market, popularly known as Waka Waka Market, effective midnight on March 31, 2026, and directed vendors to relocate to alternative trading spaces.
In a public notice issued on Tuesday, the council stated that the market, situated on private land, will be closed following the expiration of its business licenses.
The council said the closure was made in line with Clause 11(1) of the Second Schedule to the Local Government Act, which mandates local authorities to establish markets.
According to the notice, sub-clause (2) of the same provision bars any individual from operating a private market without a licence granted by the council and subject to prescribed conditions.
Lilongwe City Council also cited By-law 5 of the Markets and Vending By-laws of 2018, which prohibits the operation of a private market without prior authorisation from the council through licensing.
The council said it resolved not to renew the licence for Waka Waka Market after considering several factors, including the risk of accidents caused by congestion in and around the market area.
It also said the planned expansion of the M1 Road from Old Town to Bunda Roundabout requires immediate restriction of vending activities in the area.
Other reasons given for the closure include poor hygiene and sanitation conditions despite repeated notices, as well as non-compliance with planning requirements, which the council said has resulted in haphazard development in and around the market.
The council said vendors currently operating at Waka Waka Market should relocate to Area 24 Market and the New Bypass Road Market, warning that failure to comply may result in enforcement action.
