Its now three months since government through the Ministry of Local Government handed over new constructed Lunzu Market to the community and a visit to the market recently revealed that Vendors have occupied all the spaces and are happy with the new premises.

Many people feared that the market will be another White elephant as it has been a traditional for vendors not relocating to new markets in most areas. However, the story is different with Lunzu Market, as vendors are happy operating inside the market.

Violet Joya, a vegetable seller, says her business is booming because she has a shelter where they operate irrespective of the weather.

"Previously, when we were operating outside the market it was difficult when it was cold, raining or dusty as we were forced to run away since we had no shelter. Now l can proudly say we don't quiver even if it starts raining or anything because as you can see we are in a well protected shelter,” She says.

For Wesley Maloni, ever since they started operating inside the market, they are receiving many customers because all their merchandise is placed at one selling point.

" When we were outside it was difficult for our customers to find us since we were scattered, while nowadays we are all at one selling point and this gives our customers to buy what they want within walking distance of one bench with another," he said.

Mervis Namakalo, who sells fish said the environment inside the market is good as there is very little dust or mud during rain season. " previously, outside the market we had difficulties due to dust that used to spoil our fish but since we started inside we no longer complain of dust and mud," She said.

Chairman of the market, Henderson Ligomeka said vendors are satisfied operating inside the market and says only a few who have failed to secure places inside are the ones still outside.

 " As you can see inside the market there is no longer space as every vendor wants to operate inside. This is what we have been waiting for. Vendors are very happy because of the shades plus toilets and bathrooms. When they are tired they go and have a shower,” he said.

One customer, Josephine Kanga said they like the design inside the market because now it is easy to locate where what they want is without wasitng unnecessary time looking for what you want. " Way back if you want to buy vegetables it was difficult to locate these people but now you go to one place and boom, tht is where they are and much more”, she said.

The More Income and Empowerment in Rural Areas (MIERA) Project under which the new market has been constructed, is also supporting similar market constructions at Sadzi in Zomba, Neno market, Goliati in Thyolo, Dyeratu in Chikwawa, Nkhata Bay and Chinkhoma in Kasungu. The project is run through the facilitation of National Local Government Finance Committee (NLGFC) with support from the Germany Government through KFW Bank.