Traders operating in Kayonza market have decried what they call poor working conditions, and asked authorities to upgrade the facility to modern standards.

Some of the vendors described as unfortunate, failure by the district administration to construct a new modern market, yet they (traders) pay their monthly dues on time. Each trader operating in a very small area pays Rwf 5,000 per month.

Worried by the poor sanitary conditions at the popular fruits and vegetables market, traders have called on the central government to come to their rescue.

D’amour Nahimana, a trader who sells flour said: "During the rainy season, the market is flooded because it is on marshy land. We endure the sun and rain throughout the year. This suffering must end”.

"We suffer a lot yet we pay monthly taxes…authorities are only interested in taking the money and don’t give back in form of improved services. Let government come to our rescue,” he said.

Claudine Mukagasengayire, another trader said hygiene at the market is deplorable. "Most people sell flour, sugar, fruits, etc that can easily be contaminated. If they don’t care about us [traders] they should be worried about general hygiene. Ironically, health officials fine us for operating in such environment…where do we go now,” she said.

Alphonse Ngarambe, the in charge of health in the district, confirmed that it was a long standing issue.

”It is a complex issue…choosing to allow traders operate in the poor environment or stop them from earning a living. We are thinking about temporary solutions because it is not their own making,” he said.

However, John Mugabo, the mayor said the district was aware of the plight of the traders at the market, adding that plans were on to upgrade the market as soon as all modalities are finished.