The Ndirande Main Market resides in the southern region of Malawi, some Kilometres from Blantyre CBD. It harbours a small river called Nasolo that originates from the Ndirande Hill and flows into the Mudi river.
The market serves the surrounding local areas of Ndirande, Nyambadwe and Makhetha. It is not known when the market was established but local sources state that it has been around for over 40 years.
Ndirande market is well known for its hardware and scrap metal businesses. The main proucts up for sale at this market are hardware products such as building materials, car parts and electronics .
You can travel to Ndirande main market by minibus, taxi, motorcycle, bicycle or by foot.
To get to the market by minibus, you need to take a minibus from Blantyre CBD minibus rank called Mibawa or Wenela Bus Depot following Magalasi road and drop at Ndirande Main Market stage near First Capital Bank
It takes approximately 20 minutes to get there and it’s only 2 minutes walk down the market, You should expect to pay about K800 return bus fare.
If you decide to use private transportation, it takes about 5 minutes to get to the market from Blantyre town.
The market is very close to the bus stage, and you won’t walk far. If you think of using your own vehicle, be aware that parking a car there is at your own risk.
Building Materials: You can buy building materials from the market, from Nails, Tiles, Cement, Window and door frames, burglar bars, hammers, shovels, wheelbarrows, ceiling boards, etc.
Car Parts: There are several car part traders selling various car parts from Clutch plates, car oil, shock absorbers, rims, front and rear lens, brake pads, etc. You can find almost everything required to fix a car.
Timber: You can also find wooden planks for roofing and wooden crates
Wood Work & Furniture: There are lots of furniture traders selling Sofas, Dining tables, Beds, Coffins, School Desks, etc. You can also order custom made furniture.
Motor Vehicle Repairs: J3 Motors is located in old People’s Store Building. They open Monday till Sunday from 8am to 6pm
Fueling station: There is Energem fueling station located near opposite minibus stop from Limbe
Banking service: There’s First Capital Bank located near minibus stage from Blantyre CBD which operates from Monday to Friday from 8am to 3pm and Saturday from 8am to 11am. And there’s also one NBS bank ATM located at Energem fueling station store which operates 24/7.
Communication: There’s a Post office which is located near J3 Motors (Old PTC)
Computer and Phone repairing: There are several computer repairing experts, some of them are CyberTech Computers and Usherio Computers
Health Care: There is also Ndirande Hospital which is located near the market
Other Services:
Here are a few shops and their opening times
Bonongwe Coffin Workshop: They make and sell coffins, open Monday till Sunday from 8am to 5pm
Teuna Investment: They sell groceries and are open from Monday to Saturday – 6am to 8pm
Mr Matemba is a local trader has sells electronics at the market. He was kind enough to answer a few questions.
Asked question: When was Ndirande main market established?
Answer: I don’t know exact date but I know it existed when in Kamudzu Banda era
Asked question: How long have you been here in Ndirande market
Answer: for about 20 years now
Asked question: How does this corona pandemic effected yours sales?
Answer: It has effected a lot, before it, I was able to make a total sales of K50,000 each day but now it has been reduced to K20,000 to K30,000 each day
Asked question: izebuy is an online marketing website which advertise people’s products and services for free, would you like your products to be listed on izebuy?
Answer: I wish I could but I’m not familiar with internet, and i don’t use internet enabled phone
Asked question: how can you describe Ndirande main market according to your experience?
Answer: Ndirande market is and will always be my favorite market ever, because this is the market behind my success, and Ndirande market traders and communities around are so friendly.
Cleanliness: This market is well kept and clean compared to nearby Safarao Market
Price: Buying fruits and vegetables is a bit expensive compared to nearby Makata market
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Ulemu matipula, is a freelance writer, based in Blantyre city, in Malawi. Apart from writing, he is also passionate about computers. He is currently studying Web Design at a local university. You can contact Ulemu by sending an email to info@izebuy.com
The Times Group Malawi 24 Nation Online
