Mango Sellers Raise Road Safety Concerns

Senior Group Village Headman Nyang'a said Wednesday that vehicles from Blantyre are transporting mangoes to Bangula Trading Centre.

NSANJE, Malawi - Traditional leaders around Bangula Trading Centre in the area of Traditional Authority Mbenje in Nsanje have expressed concern over vehicles from Blantyre selling mangoes along the M1 road, posing a threat of causing road accidents, writes Cornelius Lupenga.

Senior Group Village Headman Nyang'a said Wednesday that vehicles from Blantyre are transporting mangoes to Bangula Trading Centre.

He said selling mangoes is not illegal, but selling along the M1 road is raising fears of road accidents.

"Young children including learners from Bangula Primary School flock to where the vehicles are selling the fruits," said the SVGH.

The SVGH observed that if healthy measures are not followed, there might be an outbreak of waterborne diseases such as cholera.

One of the buyers, Rhoda Bizeki, said the arrival of vehicles from Blantyre has eased transport costs to purchase the fruits in bulk.

She said they were previously buying mangoes from Nyakabange in Mozambique and Chididi in Malawi.

"There are no mangoes in the said areas hence depending on the importing of the fruits as a sign of relief," she said.

When contacted, a certain driver Mr Daniel said they are only involved in the transportation of commodities.

"Those hiring vehicles can be better placed to comment more on the sites of the mobile mango markets," said the driver.

"Young children flock to roadside mango sellers."