eThekwini Invests Millions To Upgrade Infrastructure For Informal Economy Traders

eThekwini is facing urban decay due to migration, property abandonment, poor service delivery, and crime. In response, the eThekwini Metropolitan Municipality announced plans to invest millions to improve infrastructure for informal economy traders.

These projects include upgrades worth R10 million for Dalton Art and Craft Market, R15 million for Mansel Road Market, R2.5 million for Tongaat Trader Market, R4 million for KwaMaKhutha Business Hive and R4.3 million for Klaarwater Business Hive.

Chairman for Mansel Road Market Traders Mboneni Qwabe visited the site and said, "The Minister handed over about 100 sewing machines, equipment for those running food handling facilities such as freezers, pots, gas stoves, and microwaves," SA News reported.

He added, "This doesn't happen anywhere on the continent where the government freely provides equipment to informal traders. This shows us that our government is taking care of us."

Senior Manager for the Informal Economy at eThekwini Municipality Michael Hlangu said that Mansel Road Market is very busy on weekends, attracting customers from across South Africa and other countries.

The market sells items such as clothing, food, traditional drums, bedding and attire. Around 180 traders will benefit from the market's upgrades, which include a new building, better bathroom facilities, electricity, water and parking.

Hlangu also mentioned that there are 184 container traders at the market, some of whose containers are in poor condition. Plans are in place to replace these with permanent brick buildings. Contractors have been hired, and traders will be moved to a temporary location this month to begin construction.

It is expected that around 100 people will find job opportunities during the construction phase. All traders at the market are registered with the municipality.

Most of the traders have business licenses, which they renew every year. The rent for the food section is R664 per month, and they sign a lease agreement with the municipality.

The municipality also provides regular health and safety training to ensure vendors follow the rules and regulations. It is in charge of maintaining the market including providing security, cleaning services, and electricity.

Qwabe shared that the municipality holds annual business summits to update traders on efforts to improve the informal economy. He noted that when the market opened in 1996, traders sold from their cars, but later switched to containers, which have now deteriorated.

The municipality is now building a new structure to help improve conditions for traders, and Qwabe believes it will attract tourists. He added that Mansel Road Market is a hub for traditional Zulu attire and cultural items, which are unique to the area. He hopes the market will become a popular tourist attraction.