Kampepuza fatality call for action on roadside vending

Consumers Association of Malawi (CAMA) have asked the Malawi government to seriously consider banning roadside trading and instead relocated the vendors to safer places at a distance from main roads.

The call follows a tragic accident that claimed many lives and leaving scores seriously injured at Kampepuza Trading Centre along the M1 road in the Area of Traditional Champiti in ntcheu District.

CAMA Executive Director John Kapito and also People’s Party (PP) publicity Secretary Ackson Kalaile Banda described the incident as a ‘shock’.

Banda through a statement released on Saturday said the accident is a reminder to the government and all Malawians on the dangers of conducting business along the roadside.

“Yesterday’s accident is a stark reminder of how we should continue seeking alternative measures to fully relocate roadside markets away from vehicular danger. We believe this will be an instant consideration by policymakers” reads part of the statement.

PP further applauded the concurring efforts by all Malawian institutions and individuals in according the departed a fitting farewell.

The statement further called upon political stakeholders to avoid transferring political emotions to a national grievance that is the Kampepuza accident.

On his part, Kapito said the issue of stopping people from roadside vending is long overdue.

He claimed to have made several calls to have all the people removed but government has failed to react.

According to Kapito, roadside vending put lives of both the consumer or buyer and the seller at risk.

Meanwhile, Kapito said he intends to relaunch the battle of making sure that roadside vendors are removed and relocated to better and safer places.