Traders at the Agbogbloshie Market in Accra are urgently calling on the government to provide waste bins and fix the deteriorating roads in the area.
They argue that the lack of waste management facilities and poor road conditions are negatively affecting their health and businesses.
The market, one of the largest in the capital, has long been troubled by heaps of rubbish, choked gutters, and crumbling roads. Despite repeated complaints, traders say that interventions have been inadequate, forcing them to operate in unsanitary and unsafe conditions.
Madam Jennifer, a trader, expressed her frustration: “Those who operate chop bars come and pour their leftovers in the gutter. It is very disturbing because it causes us to fall sick.”
Another trader, Madam Veronica, emphasized the need for waste bins. “The rubbish keeps piling up because we don’t have enough waste bins. We want dustbins. It takes years for the dustbins to arrive when they bring one,” she said.
Drivers and motorists who frequent the market are also severely impacted, particularly during the rainy season when the roads become almost impassable.
“The roads are terrible. Whenever it rains, it’s almost impossible to drive through. Something needs to be done about this,” said Yaw Alaska, a driver.
Mohammed, an Okada rider, added, “The bad state of the road affects us. It prevents people from coming to buy from here, affecting business.”
Market leaders acknowledged the efforts of the Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA) but highlighted ongoing concerns over the road conditions.
Aunty Mabel, the Queenmother of the Agbogbloshie Millennium Market, stated, “The AMA has been helpful in some areas. They bring cars to take the refuse and when they don’t come, we gather it ourselves and give it to a truck.”
Aunty Esther, the Vice Queenmother, echoed this sentiment: “There are a lot of potholes on the road, so we want the government to come fix it for us.”
The traders and motorists are urging the government to address these issues immediately, hoping for improvements that will enhance the market’s conditions and their livelihoods.
Source:onuaonline.com