A market is one of the most attractive places, because that’s where food is sold and where people meet.
But sometimes, it can become an eye sore, if not managed well, especially with waste or rubbish.
Unfortunately, the Popondetta Market in Northern Province has fallen into this category.
Everyday, rubbish is piling up and has become an eyesore to commuters.
EMTV News visited the market recently and spoke to Douglas Jawalepa, who is employed by the Higaturu Local Government to keep this market clean.
Upon our query on its ownership, Douglas said that this market, although in the Central Business District, is owned by Higaturu Local Government and not the Popondetta Urban Council.
“Popondetta Urban Council asked to manage this market but they take into consideration, that the properties belong to Higaturu Local Level Government.”
Douglas and his colleagues work tirelessly, starting work early in the morning, collecting market fees and maintaining cleanliness at the Popondetta Market.
Despite their requests falling on deaf ears, they continue to do what they can.
“Every time we go to the officer, we do inform the manager, that we want a truck. They always respond saying that there is no money, but we know that we always collect revenue which amounts to hundredths or even thousandths,” he said.
What concerns Douglas and his colleagues in particular is food hygiene.
A walk around the market sees there are no regulations being applied. Cooked food is not being covered, which is a great health risk.
Felix Korina, a colleague of Douglas, said they want laws and regulations to be imposed for the people’s health.
“When it’s raining, it’s the worse time. Many flies that flies around, and who knows that food maybe contaminated with germs.”
Community Leader, Kapera Makura said that mothers have no choice but have to stay on to sell their produce.
“Officers must come down to the standard of the people and see the rubbish that is piling up. This is very unhygienic.”
Douglas and his colleagues claimed there is miscommunication and are calling on the Higaturu Local Level Government to allocate a vehicle to remove the rubbish.
“I think by Christmas or New Year, the rubbish will continue to pile up,”
“This market is where money is generated to support family households,” Jawalepa said.
The market workers also claimed they haven’t been paid for 21 fortnights. But they do their work out of love and loyalty.
“How are we going to survive, when we have families?”
They said that there must be a dialogue to allow the transfer of assets.
But for this to happen, it must be pushed through by political bureaucrats.
