By Anderson Ojwang
Queries have emerged over Sh 315M upgraded Kibuye market after public health ordered for its immediate closure following health risk concerns it posed to the traders and residents of Kisumu City.
In 2020 when traders were relocated to Moi Stadium grounds to allow for the upgrade of the largest open air market in the Lake region, that has been in existence for over 70 years, there were promises that the facility would be the best in the region.
During the relocation the City Board and Kisumu Governor Prof Peter Anyang Nyong’o promised a modern facility, which would be the best in East and Central Africa, now only two years after traders returned to the facility, they are now faced with health concerns.
Did the Board and the contractor meet the specifics in the upgrade and why are the health concerns emerging if Nyong’o’s promise was indeed actualized?
The market was expected to have modern features like paved roads, modern ablution facilities, a mini fire station, a mini health center and parking areas for customers and loading and offloading sites.
The market was expected to operate 24 hours to spur the lake region’s economy.
Nyong’o who spoke during the groundbreaking ceremony in 2020 said ” We are here to not only confirm our promise but to deliver a statement of hope that Kibuye, once completed in a few months, will be one of the most beautiful markets in East and Central Africa.”
The City Board chairman Mr. Elijah Adul said the facility would have four ablution blocks, a boundary wall, roads, walkways and customer front parking.
Yesterday, the public health department noted with great concerns the existence of nuisances at Kibuye market, which threatens the health of the general public and can escalate the spread of cholera disease, which is currently an occurrence within the city and beyond.
The report revealed lack of clean and safe water supply which is as per the public health act cap 242 sec 118, improper solid waste management which is as per the public health act.
“Insanitary toilets ablution blocks as per the public health act, and blockages of drainage systems line and access lanes.” it reported.
In a signed report on behalf of the Head of Public Health, Kisumu City Joshua Odongo ordered for immediate stoppage of all operations at Kibuye market until the concerns are addressed.
The City Manager was directed to provide adequate clean and safe water to Kibuye market, design and put up an appropriate solid waste management system for collection and disposal areas.
“Make sure all the ablution blocks and sanitary facilities are well maintained and clean, ensure that all the eateries’ structures are well designed and provided necessary requirements and all food handlers are medically fit and structures and stalls on the drainage lines and access lanes are removed,” the report directed.
The city reacted by closing the market and wrote “we assure the public and stakeholders that the city of Kisumu is committed to resolving the identified public health concerns with urgency.
Every effort will be made to ensure that Kibuye market normal operations within the shortest time possible.
The city remains committed to ensuring a clean, safe, and healthy environment for trade.”
On a normal day, the facility handles 3,000 traders while on Sundays, it handles 10,000 and with the upgrade, it was anticipated that the number would double to 20,000.
With the upgrade, the revenue income was expected to go up as City was envisaged to have a database of all traders and where they will be conducting their daily business compared to what was happening before.
