Kisumu City Manager Abala Wanga/FAITH MATETEKisumu City has announced the immediate closure of Kibuye Market following an urgent risk assessment by the department of public health.
The decision comes after a detailed inspection uncovered multiple serious public health hazards that pose a direct threat to both traders and the general public.
In a statement, City Manager Abala Wanga said the current conditions at Kibuye Market not only endanger lives but also increase the risk of spreading cholera, a disease that has recently been reported in parts of the city and neighboring regions.
Abala stated that there was a lack of clean and safe water supply, improper solid waste management, unsanitary ablution blocks and toilet facilities, open and unsafe cooking practices within the market, blocked drainage systems, and encroachment on access lanes.
These conditions , he said, pose an imminent risk to public health, especially during this rainy season when waterborne disease transmission is heightened.
"To this effect, and pursuant to Section 117 of the Public Health Act Cap 242, read together with Cap 254 and regulations thereunder, the public health department has directed the immediate cessation of all operations at Kibuye Market until further notice."
This order, the city manager said shall remain in force until the various actions, such as provision of an adequate, clean, and safe water supply to the market, design and implementation of a solid waste management system for effective waste collection and disposal are undertaken.
Other actions include rehabilitation and regular maintenance of all toilet and sanitation facilities, regulation and restructuring of eateries to meet public health standards, including medical certification of food handlers and the removal of all structures and stalls obstructing drainage systems and access lanes.
"Further, we wish to inform the general public and all traders that, during this temporary closure, the market day for Kibuye Market will be relocated to Uhuru Business Market".
The city manager stated that the city has put in place adequate measures to facilitate a smooth transition and ensure minimal disruption to trading activities.
"We assure the public and stakeholders that the City of Kisumu is committed to resolving the identified public health concerns with urgency. Every effort will be made to ensure that Kibuye Market resumes normal operations within the shortest time possible."
