A visit to the modern Kejetia City Market left me deeply saddened as a journalist, particularly after witnessing the deplorable state of the eight male washrooms in the facility.
Upon entering the washroom area, it became painfully clear that most of the handwashing sinks are either completely non-functional or severely damaged.
The condition of these washrooms is unacceptable, and the management urgently needs to take action.
Most of the handwashing sinks are non-functional, with many pipes broken or leaking. The sinks themselves are filthy, clearly neglected, as dirt and grime are caked onto their surfaces. It is evident that regular cleaning is not being carried out.
What was most distressing was discovering a urinal sink nearly half full and completely clogged, forcing visitors to stand beside it to relieve themselves.
The foul odor was overwhelming, making it necessary to approach the sink cautiously and even cover one’s nose.
It is baffling that users must pay a fee of 50 pesewas to endure such conditions. What offense warrants this treatment?
Many of the urinals showed visible yellow stains, indicating a lack of proper cleaning.
Additionally, all the toilet bowls require replacement due to poor maintenance.
Several flush mechanisms are broken, leaving the bowls stained with yellowish residue, further highlighting the unsanitary environment.
Despite these conditions, users are charged one Ghana cedi to use the facilities.
Ironically, traders at Kejetia City Market contribute monthly fees intended for cleaning services, including water usage and sanitation. Yet, the washrooms remain dirty and neglected.
According to a 2019 report by Asanteman News on their official Facebook page, the washrooms were described as “very nice and neat.”
However, the current reality is far from that, and urgent intervention is needed to restore hygiene standards.
Frequent users of the market face a high risk of infections due to these unsanitary conditions.
The market spans from the ground floor to the second floor, with similar washroom facilities throughout, increasing the risk of spreading infections to families and communities.
Kejetia City Market, also known as Kejetia Dubai Market, is an open-air marketplace in Kumasi, Ashanti Region. It is the largest single market in West Africa, housing over 8,000 stores and stalls. Approximately 50,000 people visit daily, with 20,000 vendors operating within the market.
Given its scale and importance, maintaining proper sanitation is critical. The authorities and management must urgently address these issues to protect public health and uphold the market’s reputation.
Source: www.kumasimail.com/ Kwadwo Owusu
