Officers from Chipata Municipal Council this morning swung into action demolishing illegal market structures at Kapata Modern Market.
Town Clerk Davies Musenge confirmed that the local authority had pulled down the structures because the owners ignored a council directive not to build.
Mr. Musenge says that the structures have been demolished because they were built on top of culverts.
Mr. Musenge charged that the council will not allow such structures, which compromises the image of Chipata town which is seeking city status.
He says that those affected by the council’s move should engage the local authority so that they can be given alternative land where to build.
Meanwhile the affected traders have complained over the decision by the council to demolish their structures because their personal belongings had also been destroyed.
The traders, who were treated to a rude shock when they visited the market this morning, stated that the council should have notified them before taking the action.