Market women and residents at Breman Asikuma in the Asikuma Odobeng Brakwa District of the Central Region are raising alarm over dire sanitation conditions in their market centre, where the only accessible water sources are allegedly contaminated with human waste and runoff from a nearby dumping site.
According to the traders, the situation has persisted for months, with no action taken despite repeated complaints to local authorities.
They revealed that the hilly dumping site, located right in the heart of the market, not only produces a persistent foul odour that repels customers but also causes their foodstuffs to rot prematurely, leading to significant financial losses.
“The stench alone drives people away. Our goods are rotting. We’re losing money every day, and nothing is being done,” one market woman lamented.
Residents and traders accuse the former District Chief Executive of neglecting sanitation issues and even authorising dumping activities in the market space.
They are now appealing to the newly appointed DCE,Olivia Bentsil, to intervene urgently.
During a recent clean-up exercise at Breman Asikuma, DCE Olivia Bentsil acknowledged the deplorable conditions and expressed deep concern over the ongoing practice of dumping refuse in the market.
“It is disheartening to see foodstuffs being sold beside a dump site. This must stop,” she stated.
The DCE assured residents that her administration is committed to addressing the district’s sanitation challenges.
Plans are underway to introduce strict waste management policies, relocate dumping sites away from commercial areas, and implement monthly sanitation initiatives across communities in the district.
Olivia Bentsil also warned that residents found dumping refuse in unauthorised places would face hefty fines.
The residents and market women are hopeful that the new DCE will follow through on her promises and restore dignity and hygiene to the market environment.
By Yaw Boagyan
