Food vendors at Paidha Market in Paidha Town Council, Zombo district are protesting the market’s sorrowful state, citing that it is a habitat for infectious diseases.
The vendors who sell vegetables, silverfish, cassava, flour, and sweet potatoes among others numbering about 100 say that the market lacks shades, drainage, waste bins, washrooms, toilets, and stalls making it unconducive and leaving the vendors prone to infections.
Joyce Apwoyorwoth, the Vegetable dealers’ chairperson says that the state of the market worsens during the rainy season since the market floods, yet they have no lockups and stalls to keep their commodities safely.
Bidong Esther another seller added that they also suffer too much sunshine during a sunny day due to the lack of shade, something that has undermined their health yet they pay dues to the Paidha Town Council.
The vendors want the town council authorities to construct modern shades and stalls to accommodate them noting that the 30 newly constructed lock-up shops by the European Union are inadequate.
Bakara Asusa, who vends tomatoes told URN that their commodities always get choked in running water during the rainy season hence leaving them with no option but to discard them, therefore counting losses.
Judith Anichan, another vendor said she is worried of the health risks being posed by the filth and rubbish which are flooded in the market and the absence of toilets and washrooms.
Innocent Onega Godfrey, the LC3 Chairperson for Paidha Market says that they are soliciting funds to upgrade the market and construct a storied building to save the situation.
Grace Freedom Kwiyucwiny, the State Minister for Northern Uganda admits that the government will prioritize upgrading the market once they secure funds.
Paidha Market which is more than 50 years old draws vendors and customers from as far as DR Congo, and, during market days people from Arua, Adjumani, Lira, Nebbi, Pakwach, and Gulu flock to the area for different transactions.
URN.