Minister of Local Government, Unity and Culture Richard Chimwendo Banda has said government hopes for an economic revival after COVID-19 pandemic, cyclone Freddy and others that slowed growth of the economy depends on small and medium- sized enterprises including vendors who play a critical role in the economy including urban employment, tax revenues among others.
Chimwendo was speaking in Blantyre on Saturday, July 22, 2023 when he had an interface meeting with leaders of vendors in that city to hear their side of the story on the economy of the country and how government can help.
However, Chimwendo cited woes of vendors which are facing in the country including accessing loans to boost their businesses. But in his remarks, Chimwendo promised vendors that soon they will have a hussle – free loans at National Economic Empowerment Fund ( NEEF)
“I am pleased to inform you that president Chakwera has directed vendors must given a ‘special treatment’ when applying for loans as they have been highly overburden by natural disasters such as cyclone Freddy,” said Chimwendo Banda who is also MCP National Youth Director. Chimwendo also acknowledged that vendors lack modern market facilities and inadequate space to ply their trade comfortably and that government will construct new markets soon.
In their remarks, vendors praised the Minister for awarding them the space to air their views to government.
