Kitwe’s Chisokone Traders Cry Foul over Antelope Milling Court Order to Vacate Its Land
By Respite Kaoma,
Traders at one section of Chisokone Market in Kitwe are shocked by Antelope Milling’s sudden move to develop the area, following a court order. The company has given them just three days to vacate, despite traders insisting they were verbally assured they could remain until 2030.
The traders, who operate about 30 shops and 15 tables in the area expressed their concerns. Barnabus Chachi told Mafken News the decision is highly inconvenient and unfair, while Davies Musonda and Ireen Mwachikoka appealed to authorities to step in, warning that their livelihoods are at risk and alternative trading spaces are hard to find.
Antelope Milling has already begun putting up iron sheet barricades, extending from the concrete wall fence that previously allowed traders to set up shops and tables. The new barricade is expected to eventually reach the shops, leaving traders anxious about their future.
Meanwhile, the Informal Economy Consortium of Zambia Coordinator, Astone Sakala, revealed that after meeting Kitwe City Council officials, assurances were given that the landowner will be engaged to find an amicable solution.
