Lira Main Market Vendors are struggling to access water after it was disconnected due to an accumulated bill of 24 Million Shillings.
There is a privately owned tap located at the
West Wing of the market serving the entire market population and the neighborhood.
A 20-litre Jerrycan of water costs 300 Shillings.
Sam Okello, the Assistant Town Clerk at Central Division says the municipality
lacks funds to clear the water bill.
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The absence of water in the market has affected traders and their businesses.
Siddy Nyanga, who
operates a restaurant in the market, says that her business requires adequate water to wash her restaurant, utensils and plates.
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Jack Okello, who sells jewellery at the market, said their lives are at risk due to the bad stench caused by failure to clean the market.
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Tony Ojok, the secretary fresh fish section says that they can’t
operate without water because it is essential in cleaning his fish stall and wash the aprons.
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Odongo Barros Luis operating Agedi Butchery in the market
explained that they are always forced to buy water to ensure that their meat stalls are clean to attract more customers.
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Morris Ebong, the Lira Main Market General Secretary said the
water crisis in the market can only be solved when the accumulated bill is paid.