Port Louis market merchants protest surge of street vendors

On 5 August, merchants and vegetable sellers from the Central Market in Port Louis gathered in front of the market to denounce what they describe as an "uncontrolled multiplication" of street vendors in nearby streets, especially Farquhar Road. They say the legal requirement that vendors keep at least 500 metres from the market’s official stalls is being ignored, creating what they view as unfair competition and harming their businesses.

Lord Mayor Christelle Pondard responded, promising to take the complaints into account and to hold a meeting with police to find a durable solution. She reminded demonstrators that designated spaces for street vendors have already been set up at the Gare du Nord fair, intended to allow regulated vending while protecting the market’s operation.