Traders bemoan poor sanitation in markets

Traders in rural markets in Zomba District are complaining about uncollected garbage as well as lack of toilets and running water.

One of affected markets is Songani, located along the Zomba-Liwonde Road.

Songani Market committee adviser Jafali M’bwana said the market accommodates more than 3 000 people, but has one pit latrine.

“Again, there is one water tap with running water,” he said.

M’bwana also said the market is swept twice a week, on the eve of market days which fall on Sundays and Wednesdays.

Zomba District Council collects market fees which for Songani are pegged at K200 per day per trader.

Jali market chairperson Patrick Kholiyo also said the market experiences the same challenges of poor sanitation.

“There is a need to establish garbage sites and urinals to improve on hygiene,” he said.

Zomba District Council chairperson William Likhusa acknowledged the challenges facing the markets, saying financial constraints paralysed the council’s operations.

“For Songani Market, the challenges will be over soon bacause we plan to construct a new market as chiefs in the area have allocated land to the council for the project,” he said.