Traders dealing in fresh food at Busia Main Market have raised concerns over poor lighting, inadequate sanitation, and poor waste management, saying the conditions are driving away customers and affecting their businesses. The traders claim that several bulbs in their section of the market are non-functional, while frequent power outages leave the area in darkness, making it difficult for customers to see their products.
They also complained about a lack of water, blocked drainage channels, and an ineffective sewage system, which they say has created an unhygienic environment. Ali Pera, the chairperson of traders dealing in matooke, said many vendors have been forced to abandon their stalls and operate from the market compound, where they endure harsh sunshine, while others have resorted to hawking in town to attract customers.
He added that poor garbage management has exposed traders to health risks due to the foul smell and unsanitary conditions within the market. Zaina Mijide, another trader, said she now hawks her matooke in town because operating from the market has become increasingly unprofitable.
She noted that traders pay monthly market dues ranging from 30,000 to 45,000 shillings but do not see corresponding improvements in the market environment. Mijide appealed to the relevant authorities to address the challenges affecting traders.
George Kikomeko, a councillor in the Busia Municipal Council, acknowledged the challenges and attributed some of them to poor drainage systems within the market. He expressed optimism that the ongoing construction of parking spaces and additional drainage channels under the ongoing infrastructure projects would help improve the situation.
Another councillor, Fatuma Maishala, said leaders had inspected the ongoing works at the market square and were satisfied with the progress. She said the improvements are expected to transform the market and create a more conducive environment for business.
Teopista Baseke, the female councillor representing Western Division, said the drainage system at the market was poorly designed and many channels have since become blocked. She suggested that the drainage channels be reopened and that traders be allowed to participate in their maintenance.
Busia Municipal Engineer Faisal Kiberu said the municipality plans to reorganise the market as it finalises the implementation of the Uganda Support to Municipal Infrastructure Development (USMID) project. He revealed that the municipality had secured Shs2 billion for completion works under the first phase of the project and assured traders that their concerns would be addressed.
Busia Deputy Town Clerk Johnson Wafuba urged contractors and technical officers to ensure quality work and adhere to approved Bills of Quantities (BOQs) and government standards. Busia Mayor Sadiq Amin Agele challenged leaders from both Eastern and Western divisions to actively monitor government projects, including the market, and ensure that public infrastructure is properly managed.
He criticized some leaders for joining residents in complaining instead of taking responsibility for oversight. Meanwhile, Busia Resident District Commissioner Hajira Namagogwe said monitoring reports on the USMID projects had highlighted congestion and poor waste management as major concerns at the market. She called on the municipal authorities to urgently address the issues and urged local leaders to prioritize service delivery-URN. Give us feedback on this story through our email: kamwokyatimes@gmail.com
