City cracks down on ‘markets’

THE National Capital District Commission will be closely monitoring informal market activities at 5-Mile, Manu Autoport and Taurama Foodland, city manager Leslie Alu says.
The results of that exercise would determine their future, he warned.
Alu has ordered the divisions of community and social services and regulatory services to take a hard stand on any breach of the informal sector requirements relating to health and hygiene, drunkenness, illegal settlement and illegal structures.
“Any activity other than those specified in the Informal Sector Act is illegal and I will not tolerate those involved in the strongest possible terms,” he said.
“As long as the law allows for informal marketing, I will consent to its operation but it must be done within the requirements of the law.”
His direction follows public complaints on illegal activities and rowdiness in the three locations, allegedly stemming from the informal markets.
The NCDC health and regulatory services will be conducting surveys in the three locations to ascertain any illegal activities before determining the next course of action.
Alu said the NCDC was equally concerned about these illegal activities and “will do everything within its powers to ensure informal trading in the city is according to law and in appreciation of the convenience of others, especially in ensuring peace and harmony in the respective areas”.
He said informal trading was formally set up to alleviate the hardships faced with living in the city and those involved “must appreciate and understand the reason for their existence and not to be abusive of this favourable opportunity”.
 “NCDC is aware of the hardships faced in the city and will assist with informal marketing by city residents.
“However, these markets must be kept clean and tidy.
“Rubbish should be placed in bins.
“And there should be no sale and consumption of alcohol and illegal drugs within the market area.”
He said people living illegally in such markets “will be targeted in the survey and will be immediately removed”.
“The survey will be implemented as soon as possible after which awareness will be conducted on a better alternative to improve informal markets within the city.
“Please help us to help you better,” Alu said.