- A City of segregated Shopping: An Analysis of the Location of Markets in Lusaka, Zambia    click here to open paper content182 kb
by    Nchito, Wilma | wsnchito@yahoo.com   click here to send an email to the auther(s) of this paper
Short Outline
The paper analyses the location of markets in Lusaka which are located mostly in the low density areas which is a continuation of the segregative colonial policies. The paper also considers the planning process and possible sources of influence.
Abstract
TITLE: A CITY OF SEGREGATED SHOPPING: AN ANALYSIS OF THE LOCATION OF MARKETS IN LUSAKA, ZAMBIA.

The failure of the practice of town and country planning to adapt to the socio-economic changes taking place in urban areas is evident in many spheres of the urban landscape in Zambia. One area that can be used to highlight this failure is the location of urban markets within the city of Lusaka. In the colonial era urban markets were planned for the African population hence one finds the planned markets located close to or within medium or high density residential areas. The fact that independence has not changed things in as far as markets are concerned reveals a mindset steeped in colonial ideologies. Markets are part of the Zambian urban culture and are used by all social classes and yet planners have not included them in the modern fabric of the city.

The paper will analyse the location of urban markets in relation to residential type and it will also assess the two major new commercial developments within the city in terms of the reason why markets were not included. The question the paper will seek to answer is whether the city is being planned with the local people in mind or whether planners are more concerned with representing a ‘global face’ to the rest of the world and in the process bare necessities (markets) are being over looked. Street vending is seen as a problem and yet markets are not given adequate attention.

The paper will also consider the recent development of weekly markets which are being organized by non Zambians. Their location around different parts of the city will also be considered to see whether or not they are filling the gap left by planners. The cultural differences are exposed in these markets because the target population and goods differ from the original markets in the city.

In conclusion the paper will briefly out line the current planning process to highlight the inadequacies and make recommendations for changes. Possible locations for markets within the low density areas and new commercial sites will also be suggested.

Keywords
segregative planning, commercial areas. markets, shopping culture
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