CAIRO - Street vendors occupying pavements and strategic spots in basic squares in Egypt's major cities have become a de facto phenomenon, such that activities of the kind are now maintained under the protection of the police. Before the revolution, street, peddling did exist but the municipal police usually made regular crackdowns to curb such encroachments. However, in conditions of slack security, there has been plenty of room for all sorts of malpractices, street vending being no particular exception. The spread of these peddlers, especially in commercial areas, has turned the streets into eyesores and caused traffic congestion almost around the clock. All sorts of cheap commodities from foodstuffs to children's' toys and women's' wear are displayed for interested passers-by on pavements, along the sides of busy streets and ridiculously in traffic islands which have been planted and are supposed to be green oases. The fact is that some squares have many times been evicted of these occupants but, no sooner do members of these campaigns turn their back, then the peddlers return. They have noticeably developed a defiant stand, which has apparently compelled the police to accept them as a matter of fact. Tahrir Square, whose mere name a year ago inspired the people of the world, is regrettably today home to the homeless and to owners of food stalls and vendors of ephemera that cater for protesters. But the result is that the square now wears an ugly face caused by its garbage-littered surrounding. Traffic and municipal police officers urgently need to act to stop the incredible march of vendors. On the other hand, governors have to find ways and means of allocating licit places for these people to sell from, as they have the right to make a living under harsh economic conditions.
