The Lusaka City Council (LCC) has reaffirmed its commitment to restoring order in the capital city by tackling long-standing issues of street vending and illegal alcohol sales.

Speaking in an Interview with ZANIS, LCC Assistant Public Relations Manager, Bulumba Nyambe says the council has made significant progress in addressing these challenges.

LCC has been implementing routine inspections and patrols have continued to ensure street vendors operate within designated markets.

“However, vendors often return to the streets between 17:00-18:00 hours when LCC officers are absent,” he said.

He further added that street vending remains illegal in the country and that they are deploying more personnel to the Central Business District to prevent street vending.

Mr Nyambe highlighted that efforts were underway to create additional market spaces and support vendors’ transition from streets to authorized trading areas.

And the LCC in collaboration with law enforcement has been conducting regular raids and seizures of illicit local brewed alcohol commonly known as Tugiligili or Kachasu being sold on the streets of Lusaka.

He said people who are found selling or brewing the alcohol will face fines and imprisonment of at least three months.

“The council educates the public about the dangers of illegal alcohol consumption and encourages reporting suspicious activities,” he said.

He also urged members of the public to work together with the law enforcement and council by reporting such cases.

Last week the Zambia Consumer Association (ZACA) Executive Director, Juba Sakala expressed deep concern over the rampant sale of illegal alcohol commonly known as Kachasu, on the streets of Lusaka.