It's an open-air bazaar. The sidewalks of the capital have been taken over by street vendors who are returning in force, with the support of the new elected officials.
-Eshan Juman announces 'late night shopping' every weekend in the capital
At the end of the year, the streets of Port Louis are invaded by crowds coming to do their shopping. But this year, something has changed: the street vendors are back in force, to the great joy of some and the frustration of others.
At the heart of this frenzy, the famous «bazaar run» comes alive. Street vendors have taken over the sidewalks and streets, setting up their stalls on top of each other to maximize their sales space as well as the huge umbrellas. Fruits, vegetables, Christmas decorations, clothes, rugs, toys: everything is there to satisfy visitors' desires. «Swazire Gete»chant the latter. Port Louis has regained its colors, its traffic, and its disorder of yesteryear. Ismaël, a pants seller, is delighted with this new found animation. He placed his goods in a basket on the ground and customers flocked to his house. “I missed it so much, looking at Port Louis like that. Fill everywhere. People are coming and going. Thank you to the ministers and MPs Eshan Juman, Adil Ameer Meea, Shakeel Mohamed who are allowing us to live.” A feeling shared by Brian, a clothing seller, who sees a clear improvement in his sales. “This year we will be able to have a good holiday. The sale is going very well.”
Store owners cry foul
If the festive atmosphere delights the street vendors, it leaves a bitter taste for the store owners, who say they pay all kinds of taxes while the passages leading to them are blocked. For them, the massive establishment of street vendors represents competition that they consider unfair. Wassim, owner of a souvenir store, explains: “We trace, we buy in large quantities to resell. We are selling branded clothes for Rs 800, but the merchants outside the front of the store are selling it for Rs 300. We don't get customers.” Like him, many traders denounce this situation which directly affects their turnover, while they have to bear high rent costs and invest in large quantities for their stocks.
Asked about this, the region's deputy, Eshan Juman, expressed his satisfaction at seeing the streets of Port-Louis lively. “We have just won elections and we are allowing traders to work and breathe a little. However, for December, the working people are all earning their living, but we will have to review all this later.”
However, he recognizes that better control is necessary to prevent street vendors from encroaching on spaces dedicated to shops, while ensuring the safety of pedestrians and motorists, who are numerous in the capital.
Eshan Juman sees further. His ambition for Port Louis is “to transform the capital into a center of nighttime attraction, with initiatives such as late night shopping every weekend, accompanied by cultural and festive elements such as street food and street art.” *
“The idea is to bring Port-Louis to life in the evening. This will encourage tourism and boost the sector.” A meeting with merchant associations, street vendors and law enforcement is planned this week to find viable solutions and facilitate cohabitation between the different actors who animate Port-Louis with frenzy.
