Tongaat market vendors struggle as renovation deadline passes
Tongaat Morning Market vendors say poor conditions and reduced customer numbers at their temporary trading site are threatening their livelihoods as they await the completion of renovations.
Tongaat Morning Market vendors are facing challenges as the promised renovation deadline has passed, with no significant progress visible. Pravin Gopal, a vendor and committee deputy chairperson, revealed that the market was experiencing declining foot traffic and poor conditions at the temporary Pension Cottage site. He expressed frustration over the lack of communication from officials and the halted renovation work, which had begun four months ago.
Vendors have been visited the site weekly to monitor progress, but have not received a confirmed timeline for completion. The relocation has exposed vendors to harsh weather conditions, with recent rain making the grounds muddy and difficult to navigate. Gopal stated that the municipality only provided one security guard and minimal grounds maintenance, leaving vendors to fend for themselves.
Nisha Ramruch, a 20-year veteran vendor, noted the difficulty in selling prepared food due to safety concerns from the close proximity of customers and weather conditions. Vegetable vendor Joyce Msomi stated that she could not afford to stop trading and desperately needed shelter. Suresh Sewshanker, a plant vendor, expressed similar concerns about trading conditions and the lack of support since being instructed to leave the premises.
The eThekwini Municipality spokesperson, Senzelwe Mzila, confirmed that the renovation project was expected to be completed by the end of October.
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