Dilika Ward Councillor, Alberto Phiri has directed residents of Soweto Compound in Chipata to stop the construction of a market near the police camp.
Speaking to Breeze News Mr. Phiri says that the stop order is with immediate effect until further notice.
But the residents through their chairpersons have vowed to go ahead with the construction saying the area has been dormant for a long time now.
John Zulu vice chairperson for Sata Branch and Jeremiah Ngoma of Gaule section say that the area has been a hideout for criminals
The duo says that putting up a market in the area will protect people from being attacked by criminals.
Mr. Zulu and Mr. Ngoma say that residents have welcomed the decision to build a market adding that it will serve people from walking long distances to buy essential commodities.
The duo says the councillor has nothing to do with the decision to develop the area because it was the initiative of the residents.