The owners of canteens at the Busumbala market are complaining about the lack of basic services such as water at the facility.

They complained that they are compelled to go around with 20 litre containers in search of water from public wells or the surrounding compounds. They also complained about the payment of duty on a daily basis to the Brikama Area Council without the provision of basic facilities in return. The toilet facilities are also considered to be a health hazard.

It is as a result of these concerns raised by the vendors that compelled this reporter to visit the market to find out what is on the ground. It was observed that there are 52 canteens in the market built by the individual owners. Out of this number, 18 canteens are found closed and not operating for business. There are 10 stores said to be owned by the Brikama Area Council, but two of which are not in use now. As for the stalls, they are more than the canteens and stores in the market.

According to the store owners, they are required to pay D3 on duty to the Council every day, from Monday to Sunday, and an additional D500 every year as business license. The vendors complained about the numerous problems they encounter such as the lack of portable or tap water in the market, the poor state of the toilets as well as the lack of security.

They claimed that fake duty tickets are sold to them and the absence of security for their canteens. They also claimed that they are being prevented to form a market committee.

They showed this reporter some plastic bags full of duty tickets they said were paid to the Brikama Area Council. Some of these tickets are duplicates and vehicle parking tickets. They told this reporter that five of the canteens there have been broken into by thieves.

This reporter contacted the Public Relation Officer (PRO) of the Brikama Area Council, Mr. Modou Jonga, in order to transmit the concerns of the vendors and to get the version of the Council.

According to Mr. Jonga, they are making efforts to provide the market with the basic services but are being constrained by insufficient revenue due to the arrears the vendors owed Council in the payment of rates, taxes and canteen rental fees. He said the amount that the taxpayers owe them is huge. He added that the D3 duty is a fix tariff for every vendor who operates in the market.

When showed samples of the alleged fake tickets, he took them to another office and later returned to tell the reporter that they will make efforts to verify the claim. On the issue of the security problems, the BAC PRO insisted that the vendors could contribute financially towards the maintenance of the watchman in order for him to look after their properties.

Mr. Jonga denied the claims that they have prevented the vendors from forming their own market committee. He said it is their right to do so if they wish.