The absence of market committees in Chipata town has left the trading places vulnerable to criminal activities.
One of the traders at Saturday Market, Felix Sakala, told Breeze News that due to the none existence of market committees, there is no one to maintain discipline and settle disputes in the market.
Mr. Sakala says misunderstandings and theft have become common, with some traders dragging each other to police more often than before, because the market has no disciplinary committee.
He says when people approach the former market chairperson, Peter Soko for help, they are referred to Chipata City Council, but it is not even clear as to which office is supposed to handle their cases.
Mr. Sakala also observed that some customers are not buying merchandise freely, due to harassment from unruly boys that are slowly invading the market.
He has therefore, appealed to the Chipata City Council to quickly conduct elections for market committees, to prevent any further lawlessness.