Violent clashes, vehicles smashed at Lusaka City Market bus station

Local government and housing minister Dr. John Phiri has condemned the fracas which took place at city market in Lusaka, today.

Dr. John Phiri says he condemns in the strongest possible terms what he termed as hooliganism that was exhibited today at Simoson and City Market Bus Stations where some vehicles were smashed and several members of the public injured in the fracas that emanated over bus-loading spaces.

ZANIS reports that the minister said  this  during a meeting he held involving  Zambia Police Service officers, representatives from the Bus and Taxis Drivers Association, the Public and Private Driver’s association of Zambia, representatives from Lusaka city Council and other government officials at his office today.

This is contained in a statement by the ministry’s public relations unit this evening.

The minister called for urgent measures to be taken to address the escalating problem at the bus terminus.

Further meetings between the council, the political leadership at districts and provincial level have been set for Saturday.

And Dr Phiri urged Zambians and all those who are injured businesswise or in physical terms that they should maintain law and order whilst stakeholders look for a lasting solution to the issue at hand.

The Minister commended the Lusaka District Commissioner of Police for the swift response, which greatly reduced the damage to property and injuries to warring parties.

He said all stakeholders must ensure that they do not engage in unlawful conduct, as this will not be tolerated.

He assured the public and private drivers of their safety and urged them to continue with their businesses without fear of violence.

Dr Phiri has further directed the Lusaka City Council who are custodians of markets and bus stations to enforce the existing regulations to the latter to avoid the breakdown of law and order.

Confusion reigned at the City market  bus station located in the main business district  today when minibus , taxi drivers and private motorists hussled each other for parking space which is overwhelmed by increased number of  public transport operators.