By Yunus S Saliu
The Ministry of Health has raised concerns over poor sanitary conditions at Latrikunda Market, warning that inadequate waste management could pose risks to public health.
The concerns followed a visit to the market on Thursday, 27 August, by a delegation of senior health officials, accompanied by representatives of the National Environment Agency (NEA), Kanifing Municipal Council (KMC) and the Board of Directors of Fajikunda Health Centre, among others.
The visit revealed sanitation challenges at the market, including accumulated waste and offensive odours, particularly around the rear section of the facility.
The visit formed part of the Ministry of Health’s ongoing efforts to prevent sanitary and environmental health hazards and safeguard public health.
Speaking during the visit, Deputy Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Health, Musa Camara, urged traders, residents and other market users to take greater responsibility for maintaining cleanliness and preventing a recurrence of the situation.
“What happened here is something nobody wants to see, but we have to advise one another and ensure that what happened here does not happen again. We can do it. We have the will and the ability to do it,” Camara said.
He appealed to traders from different communities who operate at the market to recognise that maintaining a clean environment was in their own interest and that of their families.
“To the people who come from their homes to trade at the market, we appeal to you to do your part to make life easier for yourselves and your families. If you make the environment better, you are doing it for yourselves, and if you spoil it, you are also affecting yourselves,” he said.
Camara expressed particular concern about the quantity of waste accumulated behind the market, saying it was contributing to the poor sanitary conditions.
“If you look at the back of the market, you will see the amount of rubbish that has accumulated there. It should not be that way, and this is one of the things making the situation worse,” he said.
He called on all stakeholders, including market authorities, traders and users, to contribute to efforts to maintain cleanliness and prevent the recurrence of the conditions observed.
“We are therefore appealing to everyone to do what they can from their side to help keep the market clean and prevent this situation from happening again,” Camara added.
The Ministry’s concerns highlight the need for improved waste management and stronger sanitation practices at the market as commercial activity and the surrounding population continue to grow.
Observations during the visit also showed old refrigerators and other equipment used for storing or cooling food products lying horizontally among debris and rubbish at the market.
The presence of accumulated waste and persistent offensive odours raises environmental health concerns, including unpleasant conditions for traders and visitors and potential risks associated with poor sanitation.
The Ministry of Health is therefore urging market users and other stakeholders to take collective responsibility for maintaining a clean and safe environment.
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