A section of traders at the famous Gikomba market lament the government's decision to destroy their structures because they were built on riparian land.
This comes as the government enforced a 24-hour eviction order dated May 23, 2024. Traders objected to the action, claiming that their structures were only temporary.
“We have set up our businesses here.
"We do not sleep here so the government should not treat us like permanent occupants,” a trader lamented.
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Others complained about the authorities' lack of effective communication, claiming that the notification was delivered by word of mouth.
“It is true some people had encroached and built residential houses near the river. But we should not pay for the mistakes of others,” another added.
The impacted traders have urged the government to speak out on the issue.
“In 2022, we were told to vacate so as to pave way for a road construction project. Today, the issue is about riparian land. Who is fooling who?” the traders said.
Hundreds of vendors face probable job losses if the government proceeds with plans to remove the booths.
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