Uncertainty and anxiety continue to grip traders at Wakawaka Market in Lilongwe, as resistance grows against a directive issued by the Lilongwe City Council to relocate to Bypass market.
The council has ordered more than 1,000 vendors, many of whom have operated at the market for over a decade, to relocate to Bypass Market.
However, traders argue that the timeline is unrealistic and the move threatens their livelihoods.
Market Chairperson Mloleni Mangolomera , said complying with the directive is financially unmanageable.
Mangolomera cited the high cost of transporting goods—particularly bulky items like bags of potatoes—as a major obstacle within the limited timeframe.
Another trader, Yasinta John, who has worked at Wakawaka Market for 12 years, expressed deep concern about the impact of relocation..
She warned that moving to a new location could destabilize her business and income, insisting she is not ready to leave.
Vendor leadership has also intensified calls for intervention.
Chairperson Mloleni Mangolomera has appealed directly to President Prof. Peter Mutharika, accusing city authorities of failing to consult meaningfully with traders before issuing the directive.
“We have not been given convincing reasons to move,” Mangolomera said. “The council is citing accidents, hygiene, and security concerns, but there is no evidence presented to us.”
Traders further argue that Bypass Market is not suitable for business operations. They claim the site lacks basic infrastructure such as benches and proper stalls, while most available spaces are privately owned and require expensive rental fees.
“It means we will have to start paying rent to individuals instead of operating freely,” said William Banda. “That will push many of us deeper into poverty.”
Additional concerns have been raised about the location of the new market, which vendors describe as a dambo (wetland), making it unsuitable for sustained trading activities.
The relocation has also sparked allegations of a lack of transparency.
Vendors claim that Bypass Market is controlled by individuals linked to council officials, raising questions about potential conflicts of interest.
Meanwhile, pressure is mounting from civil society groups.
Mbadwa Zokhuzidwa led by Billy Malata, has threatened legal action if the relocation proceeds without proper engagement.
“We cannot allow decisions that harm ordinary Malawians without proper consultation,” Malata said.
Another community voice, Julius Tobias has also criticized the move, arguing that it fails to consider the economic realities facing small-scale traders.
Wakawaka Market is reportedly a key revenue source for the city, contributing approximately MK445 million annually.
Vendors fear that relocating to Bypass Market could negatively affect both their earnings and the council’s revenue collection.
Despite the directive, many traders have vowed to remain at Wakawaka beyond the deadline, increasing the likelihood of confrontation with authorities. There are also indications that other groups, including civil society actors and street-connected youths, may join protests in solidarity with the vendors.
Analysts warn that the standoff could escalate into broader unrest if not handled carefully, highlighting the growing tension between urban regulation policies and the survival of informal traders.
As the March 31 deadline approaches, calls for government intervention continue to intensify, with many urging authorities to reconsider the decision or engage in meaningful dialogue to prevent a potential crisis in the capital.
