ETHEKWINI NEWSFLASH
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
ETHEKWINI STRENGTHENS SUPPORT FOR INFORMAL TRADERS WITH R29 MILLION MANSEL ROAD MARKET UPGRADE
The eThekwini Municipality today launched Phase One of the R29 million Mansel Road Market Development Project, handing 100 new stalls with lockable doors, electricity and ablution facilities to Church Walk traders.
Economic Development and Planning Committee Chairperson, Councillor Thembo Ntuli, welcomed the project.
"The informal economy is an important pillar of economic activity in eThekwini, supporting thousands of households and creating opportunities for entrepreneurship across our city. Through the Mansel Road Market Development, we are building on the Municipality's ongoing support for traders by providing improved infrastructure that enhances safety, dignity and business operations. This investment is about creating sustainable opportunities and ensuring that informal traders continue to play a central role in Durban's economic growth and development," said Councillor Ntuli.
Trader Mboneni Qwabe has traded there since the market's early years.
"When I first arrived here, we sold our goods from car boots. Later we moved into containers, but the containers rusted badly because we are close to the sea. They became unsafe for both traders and customers. Receiving a proper stall with electricity and a lockable door means a lot to us. It gives us security, dignity and a better place to work. We can now focus on growing our businesses and providing better service to our customers," said Mr Qwabe.
Executive Director for Economic Development and Planning Lihle Phewa said Phase Two will add 86 stalls.
"Once completed, the upgraded development will accommodate 186 traders, creating further opportunities for informal businesses operating within the city.
In addition to improving trading conditions, the project has already generated 55 temporary employment opportunities for local residents and created work for four local subcontractors, ensuring that the investment delivers direct benefits to surrounding communities," said Phewa.
The Municipality also handed over 53 trading permits following the Informal Vacant Stalls Advertisement.
ENDS
Issued by the eThekwini Municipality's Marketing and Communications Directorate
