Gambiaj.com – (BRIKAMA, the Gambia) – Brikama Market vendors are calling on the government to address the deteriorating conditions of their marketplace, which they say have worsened due to inadequate waste management, poor drainage, and unhygienic practices.

Vendors have reported that the market’s unsanitary state, exacerbated by indiscriminate dumping and an inefficient drainage system, is significantly impacting their health and business. The stagnant water and inaccessible toilets have become a serious concern for those working in the market.

Binta Touray, a vendor at Brikama Market, expressed frustration over the loss of earnings caused by the market’s poor conditions. She highlighted that the stagnant water deters customers, resulting in lower sales and financial strain, especially as a family woman who relies on market income to support her household.

Touray also voiced concerns about safety hazards, noting that she often fears injury from hidden holes covered by stagnant water. She criticized the inaccessibility of market toilets despite daily payments to the Brikama Area Council.

Mariama Ceesay shared similar fears, emphasizing the risk of disease from dirty water. She suggested that increased equipment and machinery would not only improve hygiene but also contribute positively to the socio-economic development of the vendors and the broader community.

Rohey Faye expressed frustration with the current administration, contrasting it with the former president Yahya Jammeh’s practice of visiting the market to assess its conditions. Faye criticized the lack of government intervention and ongoing issues with garbage collection, stressing that vendors are left to endure these challenges while trying to support their families.

In response, Lamin Singhateh, the Public Relations Officer of the Brikama Area Council, addressed the vendors’ concerns. He explained that the council has been working to mitigate the poor drainage by deploying safety and water pumping machines provided by the WAKA project. Singhateh assured that the council conducts daily inspections and takes action to manage waterlogging, particularly after heavy rainfall.

The call from Brikama Market vendors underscores the need for government intervention to address the market’s hygiene issues and support the livelihoods of those who work there.