By Aaron B. Nemah
Market women at the main market in Harper City, Maryland County, have been affected by recent flooding.
For that, they raised concerns over persistent water entering the market facility.
Some of them said, the situation has disrupted trading activities, and threatened their daily income.
The traders, mostly women, who depend on the market for survival, said, the continuous presence of water in and around the market makes it extremely difficult to display their goods, and for customers to access their tables.
According to the marketers, the situation has led to a sharp drop in daily sales, spoilage of some food items, and low customer turnout.
They explained how many of the customers now avoid the market during, and after rainfall, due to the waterlogged condition.
“For many of us, what we sell here is what we use to feed our children, pay school fees, and take care of our homes. When water takes over the market, we don’t sell. When we don’t sell, our families suffer,” one of the affected traders said.
The market women said, they have endured the problem for some time, and are worried that it could worsen as heavy rain continue to fall.
While the city authorities are yet to address the impasse, the marketers have meanwhile, appealed to the Harper City Corporation, the Maryland County Administration, and relevant line agencies, including the Ministry of Public Works to urgently visit the market, assess the situation, and identify the root cause of the water problem.
The traders specifically called for improved drainage system around the market, proper waste management, and a lasting water control solution to prevent water from entering the business area.
They warned that if the issue is not addressed quickly, many small traders could lose their businesses, and consumers will continue to face difficulties accessing the market.
“We are begging our city authorities to come and relocate the site. We need a clean and dry place to sell. The market is our office.”
