Traders decry poor hygiene at Busia’s Lukolis market

Traders at the Lukolis open air market in Teso South Constituency, Busia County have protested over what they say is poor hygiene.

They complained that the drainage and sanitation in the market remains poor, yet Governor Sospeter Ojaamong’s administration subjects them to heavy taxes on a daily basis.

The traders, led by Fridah Omuse, Monday expressed fears that soon they will be grappling with an outbreak of diseases such as cholera and diarrhoea.

“The county government has been charging us between Sh50 and Sh100 daily yet the market doesn’t have water, toilets and waste bins. Our governor should show us value for the money being collected by his government,” said Ms Omuse.

WITHHOLD TAXES

The traders have vowed to stop remitting taxes to the county government if the matter is not addressed by next week.

“We will only pay taxes once we have water, toilets and shades for our goods. Trading at this market has become difficult due to the strong stench that emanates from poorly managed waste,” she added.

Ms Berritah Eroni, a tomato vendor, urged Mr Ojaamong’ to intervene and upgrade the market to ensure traders enjoy a conducive environment for business.

“Our governor should act immediately to ensure hygiene is improved at the market and ensure construction of a good drainage network that allows free flow of water during rainy seasons,” she said.

CLEANERS

Cleaners at the market also complained that apart from being poorly remunerated, they also lack proper equipment for their job, adding that this exposes them to communicable diseases.

“We don’t have gumboots, rakes, wheelbarrows and gloves to do our job. We don’t want to be infected with cholera while in line of duty because the Sh50 we are paid daily cannot buy drugs for a patient suffering from diarrhoea,” one cleaner said.

Traders at the market sell fresh vegetables, fish and cereals among other goods.