Busia Traders Decry Darkness, Poor Sanitation at Main Market

By Skika Reporter.

Traders operating at Busia Main Market have raised concerns over poor lighting, inadequate sanitation, blocked drainage channels, and poor waste management, saying the deteriorating conditions are affecting business and exposing them to health risks.

Vendors dealing in fresh food products, particularly matooke, say 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 inspect and purchase goods.

The traders also cited inadequate water supply, blocked drainage systems, and an ineffective sewage network, which they say have created an unhygienic environment within the market.

Ali Pera, chairperson of matooke traders at the market, said many vendors have abandoned their stalls and relocated to open spaces within the market compound where they endure harsh weather conditions. Others, he noted, have resorted to hawking their produce in town in search of customers.

Pera added that poor garbage management has worsened sanitation standards and increased the risk of disease outbreaks among traders and customers.

Another trader, Zaina Mijide, said operating from the market has become increasingly unprofitable, forcing her to sell her matooke on the streets of Busia Town.

She expressed frustration that traders continue to pay monthly market dues ranging between Shs30,000 and Shs45,000 without seeing corresponding improvements in infrastructure and services.

“We operate in darkness and the poor environment drives away customers,” Mijide said, appealing to authorities to address the market’s challenges.

Busia Municipal Council councillor George Kikomeko acknowledged the concerns and attributed some of the problems to poor drainage infrastructure within the market.

He said ongoing works, including the construction of parking spaces and additional drainage channels under municipal infrastructure projects, are expected to improve conditions.

Another councillor, Fatuma Maishala, said leaders had recently inspected the ongoing developments at the market and were satisfied with the progress made so far.

She expressed optimism that the improvements would transform the market into a cleaner and more conducive environment for business.

Western Division female councillor Teopista Baseke blamed the challenges on a poorly designed drainage system, noting that many channels have become blocked over time.

She proposed reopening the drainage channels and involving traders in their maintenance to ensure sustainability.

Busia Municipal Engineer Faisal Kiberu said the municipality plans to reorganize the market as it concludes implementation of the Uganda Support to Municipal Infrastructure Development (USMID) project.

Kiberu 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 maintain quality standards and strictly adhere to approved Bills of Quantities (BOQs) and government regulations during project implementation.

Meanwhile, Busia Mayor Sadiq Amin Agele challenged leaders from both Eastern and Western divisions to actively monitor government-funded projects and ensure public infrastructure is properly managed.

He criticized some leaders for joining residents in complaining about service delivery instead of fulfilling their oversight responsibilities.

Busia Resident District Commissioner Hajira Namagogwe said monitoring reports on the USMID projects had identified congestion and poor waste management as key challenges affecting the market.

She called on municipal authorities to urgently address the issues and urged local leaders to prioritize service delivery to improve the working environment for traders and attract more customers to the market.

The concerns come as Busia Municipality continues implementing infrastructure upgrades aimed at modernizing public facilities and improving business conditions in the border town.