The shop owners at Latrikunda Market have raised serious concerns over the poor drainage system, which is causing rainwater to flood their shops during heavy downpours. The situation is reportedly so bad that even tax collectors from the Kanifing Municipal Council (KMC) are struggling to access their office due to the waterlogged conditions.
In an interview with this medium, Ousman Badjie, a shop owner at the market, expressed his frustration, saying, “You can see the entrance of their office is full of water, yet they are still collecting taxes every day. We are calling on the council to help us with a proper drainage system.”
The flooding has not only disrupted the daily operations of the businesses but also poses a health risk as stagnant water accumulates, creating a breeding ground for mosquitoes and other pests.
Market vendors have long relied on KMC for infrastructural improvements and now urgently seek the council’s intervention to fix the drainage issues. “We pay our taxes regularly, so it is only fair that the council provides us with better facilities to conduct our business,” Badjie added.
Despite the persistent complaints, there has been no official response from KMC. The affected vendors hope that the council will take immediate action to address the poor drainage system and improve the market’s condition, especially with the rainy season in full swing.
