This exercise should result in a greater order in the open markets; a cleaner environment due to enforcement by the local councils; better organisation for those residents of areas where open markets are held.

This exercise should also result in a guarantee for market hawkers that the stall they are using cannot be used by another hawker. This is because the only person who can set up a stall is the hawker to whom the box has been registered. Each hawker also requires a trading licence issued by the Trade Licensing Unit and the authorisation of the respective local council.

So far, thanks to the initiative of the Parliamentary Secretary, in collaboration with the local councils, 11 open markets have been organised, registering 1,378 hawkers. The open markets that have been organised are listed in the table (right).

Apart from the organisation exercise, there has also been a shift in the administration of these markets, with the local councils now being responsible for the markets. This means that the markets are being managed better and in the interest of the respective localities.

Mr Vassallo said that “there is now another local council that will be organising its open market, and this is the local council of Zebbug (Malta). This will increase the number of organised markets to 12.”

He added that “from this exercise we are now in a better position to regulate these markets and there is now a waiting list of 191 persons for vacant posts, spread over the localities. The Government is now encouraging other local councils to organise their open markets. This will allow us to assess the demand for stalls for market hawkers. The next step is for the Government to publish a legal notice that will issue a permit for new markets.”

“This is therefore the last opportunity for those who have not yet registered with a local council as market hawkers in the respective localities to regularise their position. This should be done by the end of October. If a market hawker does not register, then he is running the risk of losing his place in a market and having his place taken by someone who is on the waiting list.”