BCC demolishes illegal structures in Ndirande Township

The Blantyre City Council (BCC) on Wednesday night demolished structures belonging to over 90 people in Ndirande Township, Blantyre City. The demolition exercise, which was carried out by BCC officials and police, targeted structures that were being constructed behind St Andrews International High School along the Ndirande-Nyambadwe Road. The move has sparked protests from vendors, who claim they had obtained permission to construct the structures.

Vendors in the area blocked the road in protest against the council's decision, expressing their disappointment and frustration. Sinoya Jassi, chairperson for the vendors, said they were shocked by the council's decision, despite having obtained permission to construct the structures. According to Jassi, the vendors had been seeking permission since 2017 and had officially written to the city council this year, who referred them to their ward councillor.

Councillor for the area, Lawrence Semani, expressed surprise at the council's decision, stating that he was not informed about the demolition exercise. Semani said that the vendors had obtained permission from him, which is why they proceeded with constructing their shops. He added that as a representative of the people, he should have been notified about the council's decision beforehand.

Mayor Isaac Jomo Osman addressed the vendors at the BCC offices, following their protest. Osman stated that the council had agreed to physically visit the site and discuss the issue with the vendors. He said that the council had told the vendors that they were constructing on an illegal site and that they would come up with a decision on the matter after visiting the site.

The demolition exercise has left many vendors without shops, and they are now uncertain about their future. The incident has also raised questions about the communication and coordination between the council and its representatives. The vendors are now awaiting the council's decision on their fate.

The BCC's decision to demolish the structures has sparked concerns about the impact on the local economy and the livelihoods of the vendors. The council's actions have also raised questions about the availability of alternative sites for vendors to operate from. The incident has highlighted the need for better communication and planning between the council and local stakeholders.

The issue is ongoing, with the vendors and the council yet to reach a resolution. The mayor has promised to look into the matter and come up with a solution that will address the concerns of all parties involved. The incident has also sparked a wider debate about urban planning and development in Blantyre City.

Key points

• The Blantyre City Council demolished over 90 structures in Ndirande Township, sparking protests from vendors.