The National Cleaning Dy has exposed the physical rot of Kabundaire Farmers’ Market, with Local Government minister Balaam Barugahara ordering the arrest of the conserned officials.
The minister who launched the exercise in Fort Portal on Saturday first toured Mpanga market before visiting Kabundaire Market, where he expressed disappointment over the lack of cleanliness. He found a heap of garbage in the middle of the market where traders work from.
Balaam said the conditions at the market were unacceptable for a city that prides itself as a tourism destination warning that the accumulation of garbage poses a health risk to both vendors and customers. He questioned why waste management remained a challenge despite the city’s increasing local revenue, saying government has continued to release funds to local authorities.
The Minister blamed negligence among those responsible for sanitation and called for greater accountability in the management of public markets. Traders reported to the Minister that they have endured poor sanitation for years despite paying taxes and market dues.
Sarah Kobusinge one of the vendors, said uncollected garbage has become a daily challenge, exposing traders to foul smells and disease.
Marjorie Kansiime, said the market’s sanitation is inadequate, citing overflowing toilets, the lack of handwashing facilities, poor water supply and blocked drainage channels that leave parts of the market flooded whenever it rains.
Joram Bintamanya the Fort Portal Central Division Mayor blamed the city’s technical staff for failing to effectively manage waste collection and other essential services at the market.In response, Minister Balaam directed the arrest of seven technical officials he accused of negligence and ordered the cancellation of the contract of the market cleaning tenderer arguing that traders should be given the contract.
Some of the officials he ordered to be arrested include the City Finance Officer, former Central Division Town Clerk, among others.
The National Cleaning Exercise is a government initiative aimed at improving environmental hygiene and preventing disease outbreaks. It will be conducted on the last Saturday of every month from 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.across the country. URN