The Tongaat Morning Market vendors are facing significant challenges at their temporary trading site, which was initially expected to be renovated and completed by August 28. However, the renovation deadline has passed, and vendors claim that little visible progress has been made. As a result, vendors are being forced to sell their goods on the ground and in the heat, with some expressing concerns about the impact on their livelihoods.
Pravin Gopal, a vendor and deputy chairperson of the Tongaat Morning Market committee, stated that vendors had not received any communication from officials handling the renovations, including the eThekwini Municipality. Gopal expressed frustration, questioning how the renovations, which started four months ago, were still not complete despite the August deadline. He also mentioned that work had been halted at one stage shortly after the renovations began, adding to concerns about delays.
The temporary site has exposed vendors to the elements, with Gopal claiming that the past three Saturdays had brought heavy rains that left the grounds muddy and difficult to navigate. Vendors had asked permission to trade in the market's parking area, but were told this would only be considered once the asbestos roofing had been removed. Although the roofing has been removed, their request was not considered. Some community members have stepped in to help provide shelter for some vendors, while others continue trading without protection from the sun and rain.
The relocation has resulted in a decline in foot traffic, affecting vendors' ability to earn a living. Nisha Ramruch, who has traded at the morning market for 20 years, said the temporary site had made it particularly difficult to sell prepared food. She expressed concerns about the safety of frying in the open with people walking closely and the impact of the weather on sales. Ramruch also mentioned that the municipality's actions were affecting their livelihoods, and they could not afford to stop trading due to the rising cost of living.
Vegetable vendor Joyce Msomi stated that she had no shelter and was forced to continue selling her produce in the heat and rain because she could not afford to stop trading. Msomi expressed concerns about the decline in customers, either due to a lack of awareness about the temporary site or the inconvenience of visiting the grounds. She also mentioned that she was struggling to make ends meet and longed to return to the market premises.
The conditions at the temporary trading site have raised concerns about safety. Suresh Sewshanker, a plant vendor who has been trading at the market for four years, stated that vendors had received little support since being instructed to leave the premises. Sewshanker expressed concerns about the muddy grounds, which had already resulted in an injury after a person slipped and fell following rainfall. He emphasized that the current trading conditions were not suitable.
The eThekwini Municipality's spokesperson, Senzelwe Mzila, stated that the project was expected to be completed by the end of October. Vendors are eagerly awaiting the completion of the renovations and their return to the market premises. Until then, they will continue to face the challenges of the temporary trading site.
Key points
- The renovation of the Tongaat Morning Market was initially expected to be completed by August 28 but is now expected to be finished by the end of October.
