Q FM Africa's Modern Radio
Kitwe District Commissioner Chanda Kabwe has bemoaned the dilapidated state of Chisokone Market and the poor sanitation conditions.
Mr Kabwe says it is sad that marketeers and other traders are conducting their businesses in a very un-conducive environment as a result of the broken down sewer lines with the effluent flowing under the makeshift stalls which the marketeers have put up.
He says the issue of blocked drainages and bad sanitation at the Copperbelt’s largest market is worrying considering the importance of good hygiene.
Mr Kabwe says Marketeers and other traders at Chisokone Market are important as they contribute massively to the informal sector which is a vital sector to the economy of the nation.
He states that traders at the market therefore deserve to trade in an environment which is habitable.
Mr Kabwe has however assured the traders his office has heard their cry and will soon engage the relevant authority to look into the matter and make Chisokone Market a better place for all the traders to conduct business.
He says Chisokone market being the pride of Kitwe should not operate under poor sanitation conditions because conducting business under such conditions is detrimental to the well-being of the traders and the public.
Mr Kabwe has also appealed to Kitwe City Council to ensure that those illegally selling alcohol and other intoxicating substances at Chisokone market are banished.
He notes that the problem of poor drainage and broken down sewer lines at the market is mainly due to the indiscriminate disposal of opaque beer packets and other solid waste.