The Lilongwe City Council has instructed all vendors operating at Wakawaka Market to relocate to Area 24 Market and the By-pass Market by midnight today, following the expiration of the market’s operating licence.
The directive was announced during a press briefing held in Lilongwe, where Chief Executive Officer Clement Stambuli confirmed that the council will not renew the licence for Wakawaka Market.
Stambuli stated that the market will officially be closed effective midnight on 31 March, marking the end of its authorised operations under the city council.
He emphasized that the council remains committed to ensuring that the city is clean, orderly, and properly managed in line with urban standards.
As part of these efforts, the council is planning to construct modern markets in Lilongwe Town and Area 46 that will meet required safety and infrastructure standards.
Despite the directive, Wakawaka Market Chairperson Muloleni Mangolomera has maintained that vendors will not vacate the premises as ordered by the council.
Meanwhile, the market’s owner, Partson Kamkuzi, has declined to comment on the matter, leaving uncertainty over how the situation will unfold.
The decision to close Wakawaka Market comes amid multiple concerns, including safety risks, the planned expansion of the M1 Road, ongoing poor hygiene and sanitation, and failure to comply with city planning regulations.
