Manonyane Community Council Halts Talks Over Roma Street Vendors’ Relocation Amid Court Order

Following an interim court order filed by the Roma Street Vendors Association challenging their removal from the roadside near the National University of Lesotho (NUL), the Manonyane Community Council has announced a halt in negotiations with NUL regarding the vendors’ relocation.

Manonyane Community Council Chairperson, Mr. Makhaola Chele, revealed that the council, named as the first and second defendants in the legal case, finds itself at a difficult impasse. “We were actively supporting the vendors by facilitating discussions between NUL management and the vendors to secure a new site. However, with the recent court developments, our hands are now tied,” Chele said.

He further explained that the council had identified a potential relocation site at Hata-Butle. Despite efforts to convince the vendors, the site was rejected because vendors believe it is too far from their customer base, which threatens their livelihoods.

Chele highlighted ongoing challenges in finding an adequate, sufficiently large site within Roma to accommodate all the vendors. “It has been difficult to secure a suitable space in Roma due to limited available land,” he noted.

The stallholders’ legal action reflects broader tensions surrounding urban informal trading and land use, underscoring the need for collaborative solutions that balance the interests of the university, vendors, and local authorities. For now, the relocation talks remain stalled as all parties await further legal direction.