The encroachment of Jowai town roads and footpaths by street vendors has created problems for commuters as no solution seemed to be in place to relieve them of the daily hassle.
Residents of Jowai said this has become a nuisance and is a major cause of traffic congestion in Jowai as most of the vendors are occupying the footpaths. This also chokes up the movement of traffic, causing inconvenience to the common people, they said.
The stretch from Iawshyiap to the gate of the Deputy Commissioner’s office is being occupied by street vendors which has become a headache to navigate around.
Senior citizen of Jowai, OR Challam said Iawmusiang is one of the largest and oldest traditional markets in the Jaiñtia Hills but has become an eyesore because hawkers and vendors have occupied the footpaths.
He said the district administration has to take a call for citizens’ smooth movement and make Jowai roads and footpath vendors-free, which is being occupied by second-hand clothes vendors.
Challam suggested that four policemen could be placed on duty to remove the street vendors once in the morning and the afternoon. “When they (street vendors) are evicted in the morning they usually carry out their business again in the evening,” he added.
He said a concerted effort is needed reclaim Jowai’s shrinking pedestrian space and time for authorities to complete the of the much-delay Iawmusiang shopping complex.
It may be mentioned that the district administration, before the counting of votes for the assembly elections, had directed street vendors and hawkers to vacate the public footpath and main roads of Jowai. But hawkers continue to choke the streets.
