By George Mponda

Mzuzu, June 5, Mana: Chairperson for Karonga Main Market, Godwin Ghambi, Wednesday  said that garbage which has piled up at the market premises is compromising market users’ health.

In an interview, Ghambi said traders and customers are forced to bear stench emanating from the waste which is scattered around the market.

“This issue has been aggravated by the council’s negligence. We have been approaching council authorities on this issue but our concerns have been falling on deaf ears. 

The smell is unbearable creating potential environment for break out of diseases such as Cholera. The waste attracts flies which eventually land on fresh vegetables, fish and meat,” said Ghambi.

District Environmental Officer for Karonga District Council, Khumbo Mbeye said the council has transport challenges in waste collection.

"Currently, we are using old and borrowed vehicles which breakdown almost every week. We have a provisional solid waste dumpsite at Katili but there is need for a functional waste collection vehicle and a modern landfill dump site,” Mbeye said.

"However, market users should keep up the clean-up campaign momentum and enforce waste management regulations to keep all premises in the district clean,” he added.

He has since has since assured market users that the council is doing everything possible to the waste removed.

"Keeping the district clean and litter free is our priority. We apologize to everyone for the development and we assure them that we are doing our best to maintain quality refuse collection services throughout the district,” he said.