Kotido central main market operates without functional latrine

7 February 2025, 1:18 pm

By Jennifer Acheng

Over 500 traders operating at Kotido Central Main Market have expressed concern that they are at risk of contracting hygiene and sanitation-related diseases due to the absence of a functional public pit latrine on the market premises.

This concern arises after the only three-stall latrine at the market became filled last year, forcing vendors to pile up faecal matter in the already full latrine. Some have since resorted to open defecation along various market corridors.

The same latrine was renovated in 2022 through the efforts of Kotido Central Market authorities and the central division, with funding from the local NGO, the Agency for Development of Young Farmers (ADYOFU). However, it became full barely a year later.

Gloria Nakut, a local brew seller at the market, warns that if the situation is not addressed, it could lead to a disease outbreak, especially with the rainy season fast approaching. She also expressed frustration at the Kotido Municipal Council authorities, noting their quickness to collect revenue but their failure to provide essential services to the public.

Zakhia Chandia, another food vendor and the owner of Sheraton Restaurant, located near the affected latrine, said the sanitary facility was filled in October last year. She was forced to purchase acoustic soda, a chemical locally used to reduce the volume of faecal matter in pit latrines, at a cost of 100,000.

While the solution worked for a few weeks, the latrine is now at full capacity again. She mentioned that multiple attempts to inform Kotido municipal authorities have not produced any positive results, and vendors continue to use the same latrine under difficult conditions.

Mathew Lochoto Kilim, the chairperson of the Kotido Market Vendors Association, says they have discussed the issue on several occasions with the relevant authorities, but no action has been taken so far. Lochoto mentions that they even proposed a contribution fee of 200,000 shillings out of the 700,000 shillings needed to help empty the latrine, but they are still awaiting a response from the authorities.

Calisto Awar, the Kotido Municipality Health Inspector, says they are currently assessing the situation and will produce a comprehensive report on it.