Illegal Street Vending Clampdown Launched Ahead of Christmas

An inter-ministerial committee met yesterday to address the long-standing and contentious issue of illegal street vending, as authorities escalate enforcement efforts ahead of the Christmas period. The move comes as established businesses express growing frustration and scepticism regarding the government’s ability to control the proliferation of unauthorised hawkers, who have set up stalls in the streets, notably in Port-Louis.

Government Stance and Enforcement

The meeting, which included several ministers, junior ministers, municipal representatives, district councils, and police, aimed to coordinate actions on the ground and ensure uniform application of the law across all regions to restore order.

This mobilisation follows a statement published the day before by the Ministry of Local Government, which unequivocally declared unauthorised street selling as “strictly illegal.”

The Ministry confirmed that municipal and district council inspectors are currently “deployed on the ground to ensure strict compliance with regulations.”

The communiqué explicitly warned vendors to “put an end to their illegal activities” or face “legal prosecution, in accordance with the laws and regulations in force.”

Business Owners Remain Sceptical

Despite the government’s rhetoric, established merchants are unconvinced, with one Mahébourg trader dismissing the announcements as “empty words,” lamenting that the issue has become “uncontrollable.”

The trader expressed visible exasperation, highlighting a breakdown in regulations that allows vendors to operate across the island:

“When your base of operation is in Rose-Belle, you cannot come to work in Port-Louis, Flacq or Rose-Hill. But today, that’s exactly what is happening.”

The merchant also claimed that illegal operations are rife at the Mahébourg fair on a Monday.

Another trader said they had repeatedly raised the alarm without success, adding to the disappointment that “nothing has changed” despite hoping for improvements under the new government.

Calls for Stronger Action

Raj Appadu, President of the Common Front of Mauritian Traders, called on municipal authorities, including the Lord Mayor and the Port-Louis municipality, to demonstrate greater firmness and “assume their responsibilities,” particularly with the festive season approaching.

Mr Appadu recalled that streets were “literally invaded” last year following the general elections and expressed concern that the situation is likely to repeat itself.

He stressed the need to “put things in order and enforce the law,” noting that the word “hawker” does not even exist in Mauritian legislation.

Seasonal Surge in Illegal Vending

The concerns are exacerbated by a seasonal phenomenon: the annual arrival of new temporary vendors towards the end of the year.

Raj Appadu added that this group includes civil servants, parapublic sector employees, or individuals already holding other jobs, who join the ranks of street vendors to “top up their earnings.”

The effectiveness of this latest institutional effort remains to be seen, with many wondering if it will deliver “tangible results” rather than mere “promises during the holiday season.”

Source: l’Express