Traders at Chavakali market in Vihiga County have threatened to demonstrate over the market’s lack of necessary facilities and have challenged the county government to take appropriate measures to sort out the mess.
The market stall which was built three years ago lacks toilets, a dumping site and piped water, a situation the traders are saying is a health concern and a hazard.
The market’s chair and traders have pointed an accusing finger at Governor Moses Akaranga’s government over lack of commitment to serve the locals well.
The traders have over the last week defied orders to pay revenue saying the county government should erect the required structures and ensure they have water and electricity for them to pay tax.
The market is in a deplorable condition and traders are forced to answer the call of nature within the corridors and the surrounding environment.
The market lacks electricity after it was disconnected due to debts owed to Kenya power worth Ksh 63,000 and traders are forced to use candles at night.
They said on many occasions they have been raising the issue with the County Government administration and nothing has been done so far.
The markets Chair Stratorn Kasudi took issue with Akaranga’s administration saying it is out to frustrate traders in the County.
“This market has no facilities such as toilets, electricity and water and this poses a big challenge to traders and yet we have a county government, “said Kasudi,”
We have been raising concerns over the issue but no action has been taken.”
Kasudi said the county government has neglected the market and despite frequent changes made in the department of trade and industrialization for better service delivery, no officer in the department has considered to work on the matter.
He said the traders refused completely to pay taxes and they have been chasing officers collecting revenue at the market for a week now and will continue until something is done.
The traders have vowed not to pay taxes and planned to demonstrate if nothing is done soon.
