Mbale, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | Vendors have decried the sorry state of the Mbale central market. The roofs of the market leak and the drainage channels are blocked, which leads to flooding whenever it rains.
The market which was commissioned in 2014 has a total of 3,760 vendors who operate different types of businesses like produce, fishery, butchers, and boutiques among others.
Joseph Makabai Nelson, a hardware and general merchandise dealer says that the poor state of the market has pushed away their customers.
Jacob Wolimbwa, another vendor says that the condition of the market worsens each passing day. He wants the authorities to work on the drainage to stop flooding since they are unable to work on the market.
Agatha Nafuna, another vendor says said that whenever it rains, their stalls flood which affects their income.
Muhammad Mwanj, the spokesperson of Mbale City Market Vendors Association says whenever its rains, water floods the market worsening the already bad situation.
Mwani says that the traders are counting losses as customers don’t buy from them because of the poor sanitation in the area.
Cassim Namugali, Mbale City Mayor says they have asked the city engineer to have an assessment of the defects. He however adds that the city is financially constrained.
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