MUGABE R
Traders operating at Rwenshekye Open Market in Rubanga Parish, Buyanja Sub County, Rukungiri District are raising concerns over poor hygiene conditions in their area.
The Sub County initiated an open market at Rwenshekye, operating every second Saturday of the month, surrounded by daily lockups. These traders rely on a single toilet block, composed of two rooms, one urinal, and a single garbage disposal area inconveniently located in the center of the trading grounds.
The traders question the planning of the market, particularly the placement of the garbage disposal area in the middle of the market, and the limited toilet facilities meant to serve over 20 lockups.
Mavarous Tayebwa, a trader operating in one of the lockups, expressed concern over the situation, noting that children are especially vulnerable to disease, despite multiple complaints to the authorities.
Due to the inadequate facilities, Molly Tinyenyenka, another trader, highlighted the challenges faced when customers ask for restrooms.
When approached, Petero Kazaire, one of the lockup landlords, disclosed ongoing plans to ensure every landlord constructs a toilet. He added that failure to do so would result in the closure of their lockups.
Agaba Emmy Rubondo, the LC3 Chairperson of Buyanja Sub County, explained that the toilet was initially meant to serve the open market, but the lockup tenants began using it irresponsibly. He revealed that there are plans to allocate space for each landlord to construct toilets soon.
