Kongwa traders welcome new kiosk levy

KONGWA: TRADERS operating at Kongwa Bus Terminal, Posta and the central market have welcomed a new kiosk tenancy framework that raises the monthly levy from 5,000/- to 20,000/-, while clarifying ownership and management of the business premises.

The agreement was reached during a recent meeting chaired by Kongwa District Commissioner Mayeka Mayeka at the Kongwa Education Hall, where traders and kiosk developers discussed the legal status of the kiosks and the new tenancy arrangements.

Mr Mayeka said that under Land Acts Nos. 4 and 5, the land on which the kiosks stand belongs to the government through the Kongwa District Council, while individuals who built the kiosks are recognised as tenants rather than landowners.

He noted that the previous monthly levy of 5,000/- had become outdated and no longer reflected current economic conditions.

Under the new arrangement, traders will pay 20,000/- per kiosk each month. Of this amount, 70 per cent (14,000/-) will be remitted to the district council as locally generated revenue, while 30 per cent (6,000/-) will be paid to kiosk developers as compensation for construction costs.

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Mr Mayeka said the council would first conduct a valuation of all kiosks before implementing the new tenancy agreements to determine the value of each structure and ensure fairness.

“We will assess every kiosk before the new contracts take effect. Once compensation for construction costs has been fully settled, kiosk developers will become ordinary tenants and thereafter pay the full monthly levy of 20,000/- directly to the council,” he said.

He said the reforms are aimed at strengthening local revenue collection, improving the management of public business premises and supporting development projects across Kongwa District.

Traders who attended the meeting welcomed the clarification, saying there had previously been uncertainty over kiosk ownership due to limited public understanding of land ownership laws.

They also expressed support for the revised levy and pledged to sign the new tenancy agreements, saying the increased revenue would contribute to the district’s development.