When you're in Lusaka ,Zambia,happen to ask anyone this question like the one above.You will be told outright that it's at City Market and New Soweto Market--the two ultra-modern trading centres Zambia has ever had since independence.
Separated by high tension power lines plus a series of makeshift stores,the two markets lay in an area that once engulfed the fabled old soweto market.
Sure,long before Lusaka City Market and New Soweto Market could spring up, Lusaka--Zambia's metropolis city--had no prominent market where you can sell or buy goods with total peace of mind.At that time,the only trading place that existed was old soweto market which was so dilaphidated that during rain season you can't dare to frequent it for fear you might catch an infectious disease such cholera.And what's more, local authorities also found it hard to collect revenues from marketeers.In fact,vendors were taking advantage of the market bad state.And often eluded local authorities when approach for levies.All these and many more hit the headlines in the local papers.
However,in 2004 the government along with the Zambia Defence Force started clearing the makeshift stores to pave way for the construction of the new market. It's a non-stop task that stretched over a period of three years. Later,the new market was completed and christened Lusaka City Market.
Did the government stop there? No!You see,the government then under the leadership of Dr. F.T.J Chiluba realised that the market it had just set up could accommodate the ever increasing number of vendors.So,in few year that followed,the government embarked on the construction of yet another ultra-modern market that would surpass Lusaka City Market in terms of capacity as well as curtail the number of street vendors. Called New Soweto Market, the new infrastrature has since being built.And is up and running serving as the second major outlet for agro-produce and other popular consumer goods.
Today,both Lusaka City Market and New Soweto are rated as the best markets in Zambia... visited by well over 45000 people a day.Manned 24/7 by armed paramilities,these two markets boast state -of -the-art parking lot,police post,a bank,relentless water supply plus spacious stores where you can sell your merchandise without any hassle.Some young enterprenuers own two or so stores at these prominent markets and provide work to many school leavers who can't find jobs with big companies.
What To Buy
Both New Soweto Market and Lusaka City Market are awash with many popular consumer goods such as clothes, foot wear,dvd movies and players.Cellphones and accessories,television sets,home theatres,groceries and many more.Usually things here at these two markets are cheaper.You can get a cellphone or second slippers at a bargain.
More recently stores where you can have any document typed professionally have opened. Mostly these secretarial stores are manned by young graphic designers who provide typing and printing services to local people on a daily basis.
Well,it's time to pack and head home.As you do that,please walk along the market's main foyers.Here you'll witness first hand vendors hilariously haranguing at customers in a bid to coax them to buy from them.Also saunter into one of the tea shop located within these two markets and happen to sip hot-tea or coffee for less than a dollar ,and not to mention eating nshima,zambia's favourity dish served with meat and vegetables.It will without a doubt envigorate your way and leave you with a sense of longing to visit the two places again.
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