By Bakary Touray Jr.
Market vendors at the country’s famous Banjul Albert Market have complained of dysfunctional newly constructed toilet, improper waste management mechanism and the narrow road conditions of the market.
They made the complaints yesterday, during the visit of the National Assembly Select Committee on Local Government, Lands and Religious matters.
A female vendor, who prefers anonymity, disclosed that her major concern is with the improper flushing condition of the toilet and called on the Banjul City Council to immediately provide solutions.
She also called for attitudinal change in the manner in which some people dispose off their waste materials within the market premises, and recommended for a disposal control mechanisms, coupled regular collection of waste materials in the area.
Awa Jarjue, a food vendor, reiterated that their major problem is with soakaway system; noting that although the Council has constructed a good toilet facility for the vendors, this has been hindering the effective operations of the toilets.
She added: “Secondly, the holes in the market, also pose threats to our work, especially during the rainy season, because when they’re filled with water, it floods into our shops. There is also inadequate waste management staff to ensure regular collection of waste.”
Responding to the complaints by the vendors, the BCC Officials who were with the committee, told the vendors that their concerns have been noted and assured them that the Council would, in the soonest possible time, provide remedies to their challenges.
Council Officials reassured that the welfare and wellbeing of the vendors “is a topmost priority” of the City Council.
The Council explained that the problem with the market toilet is due to improper functioning of the flush toilet; that the flushing systems have a problem and couldn’t properly flush the toilets.
“Regarding the waste management, we will engage our cleansing committee to ensure that waste is collected on regular basis, as it guarantees good health of the vendors and safety of food stuff from the infestation of flies,” the BBC official vowed.
