Maputo: Black Monday for Xikhelene informal vendors

Login

Register

http://www.clubofmozambique.com/

Maputo: Black Monday for Xikhelene informal vendors

12:21 CAT | 13 Apr 2016

Folha de Maputo

Police in the early hours of Monday camped out in ‘Xikelene’, as Maputo’s Combatants’ Square is commonly known, to chase away once and for all the informal vendors who for years have taken possession of the place.

The aim of the operation, according to police, was to “restore order and urban dignity”.

Municipal police with dogs were in place to prevent vendors setting up their stalls, and advised them to seek out stalls in the Polana-Canico market.

While some deferred to the police, others resisted. By the end of the morning, small groups of men and women were standing around, obviously waiting for the police to withdraw so that they could resume business in the places where they have always carried it out.

The way the vendors lay out the food, clothing, crockery and other items they sell along the payments makes the movement of pedestrians and vehicles on and around the square nearly impossible, and the customary picture of garbage and stagnant water offends not only aesthetically but is also plainly a public health hazard.

The police expect the measure to at least restore free circulation of traffic in the area.

Source: Folha de Maputo