Traders at Makutano market in Lugari Sub-County of Kakamega County are relieved after a well-wisher facilitating the construction of pit latrines.
The traders who for over three decades have had no place to answer to the calls of nature are happy as they will no longer run around begging for a place to relieve themselves from neighboring residents.
Speaking when he officially commissioned the pit latrines, Mr. Charles Anyona said he took the initiative after witnessing challenges traders were going through with the majority of residents living at the market and its environs having their pit latrines locked with padlocks.
“Where there are no latrines, embarrassing situations are unavoidable. It pains me when I see our fathers, mothers, brothers and sisters who do their businesses at this market suffer as they move from one compound to another looking for a place to relieve themselves,” said Mr. Anyona.
Anyona said the six door pit latries will save the traders the suffering they have endured for years saying three doors will serve ladies while the other three will be used by men.
The traders accused the county government of Kakamega for not caring about their welfare despite collecting revenue from close to 3,000 traders who do their business at the market.
“Every Thursday we pay levies to the county government of Kakamega and we have always paid for over 30 years but this market has remained in pathetic condition without public toilets, no dumping site, no water and security lights among other basic requirements,” said traders.
Thanking Mr. Anyona for the facility on behalf of traders, Mr. Enos Kebong’o Kinambaka said the construction of the toilet has brought relief to the traders who have suffered for a long time regretting how the market has continued to be neglected by leaders, regime after regime.
Mr. Anyona who is eyeing the Mautuma ward seat in the forthcoming general elections has promised his commitment in creating conducive business environment at the market between Lugari and Mautuma wards to ensure it attracts more business persons.
“I want traders to enjoy doing business here at Makutano market. I am working on a plan to ensure there’s water supply on this market,” he concluded.