* The exercise is not targeting any particular mobile-money operator but all structures without the required planning or Council approval
* The Council considers factors such as whether a kiosk is on a road reserve, pavement, drainage corridor or public open space
* As well as whether it obstructs pedestrian or vehicular movement
By Khumbo Msambala Salanje, Malawi News Agency (MANA)
Lilongwe City Council has confirmed that it is taking action against illegal mobile-money kiosks and other unauthorised structures occupying public spaces in the city.
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The development comes as other city councils, including Mzuzu and Zomba, intensify efforts to deal with businesses operating in undesignated spaces.
Mzuzu City Council has specifically moved against illegal mobile-money booths, while Zomba has been enforcing against illegal vending and trading in undesignated places.
Lilongwe City Council Chief Public Relations Officer, Tamara Chafunya said the exercise was not targeting any particular mobile-money operator but all structures without the required planning or Council approval.
“It applies to any structure that is found to be occupying land or space without the requisite planning or Council approval,” said Chafunya — adding that the Council considers factors such as whether a kiosk is on a road reserve, pavement, drainage corridor or public open space, as well as whether it obstructs pedestrian or vehicular movement.
Tamara Chafunya
She further said having a business licence does not automatically authorise an operator to occupy public land: “An operator may be properly licensed to conduct mobile-money business but still be required to remove a kiosk if the physical structure is occupying land without the necessary planning or site approval.”
She emphasised that the Council will continue engaging operators while taking enforcement action against structures that unlawfully occupy public land or interfere with public infrastructure and road safety.
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