County Government has shut down five shops in Lodwar town following a crackdown on unscrupulous traders who are suspected of selling packed goods below the recommended weight.
Director of Trade, has said that the move to shut down the shops was as a result of a random spot-check exercise that a team of senior government officials carried out to establish compliance with standard quantities for pre-packed goods as provided in law.
The government’s move to close down the five shops is a commitment to continue tracking down a network of cartels in transportation and distribution of goods in the region that have supplied underweight goods for a long time depriving locals of their right to enjoy standardized goods in the market,said the Director of trade.
The shops closed include; Amal general, Lochua general stores, Lorugum Stores, Lololka Stores and Darusalem.
Director said the shops will remain closed until the owners comply with the minimum requirements.
Dubai General Stores was allowed to operate in the afternoon after complying by repackaging the underweight bags to the required standards.
Trade director said that out of the five shops closed 4 tried to show some efforts of compliance hence will be opened but Darusalem General Stores will remain closed.
Their licenses though, have been confiscated until the Directorate is fully convinced that the traders have fully complied. This means they are not off the hook yet.
The Trade Director revealed that government is taking swift action against all wholesalers and retailers trading on underweight cereal bags in an effort to meet the required quantities and quality.
The exercise is meant to regulate wholesale and retail businesses and curb illicit trade. Director assured county residents that wholesalers who will fail to meet the required compliance threshold will have their business licenses canceled without further delay.
The new developments follow Wednesday’s impounding of a lorry carrying underweight maize bags that is still clamped at the premises of the Lands Department.
