Traders at Alayaibiiagba Model Market, popularly known as Boundary Market in Ajegunle, are worried that the poignant, nauseous smell that pervades the environment, caused by open defecation threatens their health.
As our reporter made her way through the market, she had to walk with caution to avoid stepping on faeces deposited by unknown persons. She also had to hold her breath at intervals. “I have experienced that more than two times this year, and that was because I was a bit careful. Others have more bitter experiences to share.
Findings by PUNCH Healthwise showed that both traders and buyers have health and environmental issues to contend with going by the unhygienic practices going in the market. Some aggrieved traders, who decried the open defecation carried out in the market, told PUNCH Healthwise that they are unhappy about the state of the market, noting that the environment is jeopardizing their health.
The 48- year old, Yam seller, said aside from being exposed to diseases, passersby, residents and commuters are left to battle with the stench that comes from faeces and urine. Also, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, in its advisory campaign said open defecation is one of the major causes of cholera in the country.
He appealed to the state government to come to their aid by monitoring and ensuring that proper hygiene is maintained in the market.”A food vendor in the area, who simply identified himself as Ibrahim, admitted that he defecates inside the canal, especially when operators of the public toilets have closed for the day.