Sanitation concerns mount at Kaneshie Market as waste piles up near trading areas

Growing heaps of uncollected refuse at the Kaneshie Market have sparked concern among traders and residents, who fear deteriorating sanitation conditions could lead to disease outbreaks and negatively impact business activities.

The situation has become a source of frustration for people working and living around the busy commercial hub, where an overflowing waste container has created an unpleasant environment marked by strong odours and concerns about public health.

Market users say the refuse collection point, which receives waste from traders and nearby communities, has exceeded capacity, leaving rubbish exposed and scattered around the area.

The problem is particularly worrying for food vendors operating close to the dumping site, with some residents questioning the safety of selling and purchasing food in such conditions.

One resident described the stench from the area as increasingly difficult to endure and warned that the accumulation of waste could attract disease-carrying insects and rodents.

“The smell is very worrying. It brings mosquitoes and sickness. People who sleep around here often fall ill, and in some cases lives are affected. We need help from the authorities,” he said.

According to residents, the waste has remained uncleared for several days, despite reports that sanitation services are regularly provided at the location.

“This has been here for one week. When it rains, the situation becomes even worse,” the resident added.

Others expressed concern about the proximity of the refuse site to food trading activities, arguing that the conditions pose risks not only to traders but also to customers who patronise the market daily.

Residents and traders are therefore calling for urgent action from city authorities and waste management agencies to clear the accumulated refuse and improve waste disposal arrangements in the area.

They believe swift intervention is necessary to restore sanitary conditions at the market and prevent potential health complications for the thousands of people who visit the commercial centre each day.