Informal traders a negative impact on businesses
The growing number of informal traders brings havoc to businesses in Empangeni.
THE influx of informal traders in the Empangeni CBD continues to anger formal business owners who claim they are being negatively impacted.
And although the illegal traders are sometimes dispersed, the business fraternity says ‘the municipality is not doing enough to curb the problem’.
One owner in particular who has felt the brunt is Empangeni Tiger Wheel & Tyre owner Devon Naidoo.
Sidewalks littered with remains at the end of the previous day confront Naidoo’s customers in the morning as informal traders return even after being chased away by police multiple times.
The problem also poses health hazards as traders use water from the public restrooms to clean their cooking equipment, as well as using large sized gas bottles over the legal limit.
Another serious issue is the infestation of rats due to food scraps being dumped on the pavement at the end of the day.
Naidoo said he had been sent from pillar to post for over a year while trying to solve the problem, and has contacted the municipality to no avail.
‘I understand everybody needs to survive, but it is as if there are now two laws – one for us businesses and one for informal traders.
‘The municipality needs to catch a wake up,’ said Naidoo.
With the concern of some traders using and selling drugs, Naidoo also fears for the safety of his staff and customers.
uMhlathuze Ward 23 Councillor Andre de Lange said in addition to better law enforcement, informal traders need to be addressed on the importance of cleaning up after themselves.
‘Informal traders seek the best places to sell their goods as this money is their bread and butter,’ said de Lange.
‘However, Municipality officials need to visit them and make sure they are not violating the premises, using legal equipment and cleaning up.
‘Whenever there is food involved, a health inspector also needs to get involved.’
