EDITOR
Vendors and customers at Murole Market in Rubanda Town Council are expressing frustration over paying market dues despite what they describe as continued neglect of basic infrastructure and sanitation facilities.
The market, which operates every Monday and attracts over 200 vendors and more than 800 customers from across Rubanda District, remains without public toilets or proper water drainage systems. Traders say this is unacceptable given the amount of money collected from them weekly by the local council.
During the rainy season, water flows through the market, creating muddy and unhygienic conditions that make it difficult for both vendors and customers to operate safely. Many traders report having to abandon their stalls to walk long distances to relieve themselves, while new visitors are often directed to nearby bushes due to the absence of public latrines.
Demetirah Tumuhimbise, a vendor at the market, said the situation is dangerous and has created an unsafe environment for everyone. She emphasized the need for Rubanda Town Council to urgently construct even temporary toilets and install water tanks to support daily market activities.
Other vendors and local leaders, including Evaristo Turyeineyo, Namara Ritah, and Ntamunkunzi Edson, echoed similar concerns. They questioned why the market’s infrastructure has remained poor despite their regular payments.
They stated that the lack of proper sanitation puts their health and that of customers at risk, especially on busy market days when the population swells. The vendors appealed to Rubanda Town Council to account for the dues collected and urgently intervene by constructing public toilets and providing water storage facilities.
Efforts to speak with the Mayor of Rubanda Town Council, Norman Tushabe, on the matter were unsuccessful, as he was reportedly unavailable due to official engagements.
