Business people plying their trade in Zingwangwa market in the city of Blantyre have expressed worry over the growing number of liquor selling and drinking points operating inside the market.

A visit by YFM inside the market found that there are many shops where different kinds of alcoholic staff are being sold including locally distilled (Kachasu) and imported spirits.

Speaking to YFM, vice chairman for the market, Ben Dimu, said there are many places in the market where people gather to buy and drink different kinds of alcoholic substances a development which he said is compromising sanity in the market.

Dimu said: “Its true that the number of liquor shops is increasing tremendously in this market a development which is negatively affecting normal businesses and we are working to deal with this.”

He added that the challenge has been there for quite a long time and currently their committee, which has just been ushered into office, is working on reducing the number of liquor selling points citing that in the past few weeks they have managed to remove some operators from the market.

In his opinion Dimu said Blantyre City Council (BCC) is failing to control the situation because they do collect market fee from the traders every day.

Zingwangwa Market Master, Mr. Maliro, admitted the challenge but declined to give more details saying BCC Spokesperson Anthony Kasunda can be in a better position to comment on the matter.

When YFM seek comment from Blantyre City Council spokesperson Anthony Kasunda, he said the council has not received an official complaint on the matter.

However, Kasunda said the council will follow up the matter.