6 PM Start, 1 AM Close: 50 Port Louis Vendors Cheer 1 Month Night Market Deal

An agreement has been reached to allow street vendors (colporteurs) to legally operate a Night Market in Port Louis during the upcoming festive season, running from December 12, 2025, to January 11, 2026.

Key Decisions Pave Way for Market

The Cabinet has approved the promulgation of the Local Government (Fees) (Temporary Provisions) Regulations 2025, which formalises the initiative. The key provisions include:

• Operating Hours: Vendors will be permitted to trade between 6:00 PM and 1:00 AM.
• Location: The main market in Port Louis will be organised by the City Council on Rue Desforges.
• Access: Stalls will be installed on both sides of Rue Desforges, and no vehicles will be permitted to park there during the period.
• Fees: Vendors will pay occasional daily fees ranging from Rs 150 to Rs 500.
• Eligibility: Only street vendors residing within the jurisdiction of the relevant local authority will be authorised to operate.

This decision is the culmination of work by an inter-ministerial committee chaired by the Minister of Lands and Housing, Shakeel Mohamed, which met repeatedly to find a compromise that had been anticipated for several weeks.

Safety and Structure

The local authorities have identified suitable and accessible locations for the vendors. To ensure a clean and harmonious setting, each location will be equipped with sanitary facilities, lighting, security devices, and fire prevention measures.

• Vendors must invest in uniform structures for their stalls.
• Waste collection and cleaning will be handled daily by local authorities after the market closes.

Vendors React with Satisfaction and Concern

Street traders expressed relief and satisfaction with the compromise.

• Salim, 50, said he was satisfied but raised concerns over rumours: “Rumours suggest that people who don’t live in the capital and others who have never operated as street vendors will be joining. That would be unfair! I hope that glitches and a lack of transparency won’t spoil the party.”
• Fazila echoed the sentiment of relief: “We are happy because we deserve it. I have done this job all my life and it was unthinkable that we would be banned from operating during these two months.” The vendors had considered it “inconceivable” to be prevented from operating during the festive period.

Source: Le Mauricien