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Momodou
Denmark
11737 Posts |
 Posted - 11 Feb 2008 : 18:52:16
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Market Vendors Decry Denial of Income
By Saikou Ceesay
Market vendors and petty traders, women and men at Latrikunda Sabiji market, have expressed dismay and pain over the manner in which they were compelled to vacate and demolish their canteens from where they earn their income.
According to the vendors at the market, the Kanifing Municipal Council (KMC) has pledged to construct a sample canteen that they will emulate.
Speaker after speaker lamented the late receipt of the notice from the market master. They were given only a day’s notice, and the subsequent day they themselves demolished their canteens.
Speaking to this paper on behalf of market vendors, Alhagie Ngum said that they were compelled by the KMC to demolish their canteens with a view to getting them ( vendors) to reconstruct their canteens themselves. “The KMC informed us that if we don’t have the means to construct our canteens the way they want it, they will give them out to anyone who has the means to build them the way they want, according to their sample canteen,” added Mr. Ngum. He explained how this denied them their source of income which serves as a means of livelihood.
Mr. Ngum complained that they lack the ability to reconstruct their canteens as required by the Council. He said that they suggested to the Council to reconstruct their canteens and which they will in turn repay the Council by monthly installment. He further stressed that for years they have been paying taxes and duties to the council so that they can use those monies for the development of the market.
Amie Jobe, a petty trader, looking distraught, said that they are desperately loitering around not knowing what to do due to the displacement. She described the Bambo car park and Buffer Zone as areas that are not conducive for business. She blamed the Council for reneging on their promises as the leakage of the public latrines persisted. She complained about the awful odour in the environment which she said they have to endure. She called on Council to engage in participatory development in order to resolve problems.
Rose Bolongani, another petty trader, also explained that for two days now she has not been earning any income due to their displacement by the KMC. She stressed the need for Council to properly address issues affecting vendors.
This reporter has for three days running been frantically trying to speak to the Kanifing Municipal Council Public Relations Officer, Pa Kalifa Sanyang, on the issue but he is still not accessible. However, this paper is ready to publish his version whenever he chooses to give one.
Meanwhile, the unhygienic conditions of the toilets and the leakage of waste coming from them into the alleyways and forming a pool still remain. The garbage heap is also not yet cleared.
Source: Foroyaa Newspaper Burning Issues
Issue No. 17/2008, 8 – 10 February 2008
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