Ben Phiri hails ‘dignified’ new Lilongwe market as traders finally escape chaos

Local Government and Rural Development Minister Dr Ben Malunga Phiri says he is delighted with progress on a modern market being built near Devil Street in Lilongwe.

Phiri inspected the works, which are being carried out under the Transforming Agriculture Through Diversification and Entrepreneurship (Trade) Programme, funded by the International Fund for Agricultural Development (Ifad).

He was accompanied by Lilongwe Bwaila Constituency legislator Precious Kabambe.

The Area One Market is one of seven modern markets being built across the country under the programme.

Phiri said he was impressed by the quality of the work and confident it would be finished on time.

“I can’t wait to see all the markets constructed under this programme being finalised so that the public can start reaping the benefits,” he said.

Once completed, the markets are expected to give farmers and vendors clean, safe and organised trading space.

“I am happy that local traders, who have for years traded in congested and unsafe conditions will have a dignified space for business, attract more customers and grow their incomes,” Phiri said.