Hoima central market vendors are complaining over lack of electricity and water, less than a week after relocating to Hoima boma grounds.
The vendors over the weekend relocated to boma to pave way for the reconstruction of the market.
Although Hoima town clerk Pius Epaju assured the vendors of electricity and water at their new site, they say none has been installed yet.
Badru Kappo, a butcher says water is vital for his business adding that he uses it to clean his stall and wash his aprons to ensure customers eat safe meat.
Kappo says without water he is facing difficulties in ensuring the cleanness of his business.
Bigabwa Katugume, a food vendor says without electricity at the new site, she fears her business merchandize could be stolen at night.
Katugume says with darkness all over the place, thieves can take advantage to sneak into the market and steal her business items without the notice of the guards.
The vendors leave their merchandise in the market at night.
Deo Bahemuka, the Chairman Hoima central market vendors association explains that the vendors’ fears stem from last night’s incident in which three bunches of matooke were stolen after thugs sneaked into the stalls.
Bahemuka says as the market managers they are planning to hire more security guards in addition to the already existing two. The chairman however says electricity installation at the site is paramount to aid the guards’ work.
When contacted, the Hoima Municipal engineer Bonny Kiiza said water and electricity installation at the market is already underway.
Hoima central market is being reconstructed and modernized under the Markets and Agricultural Trade Improvement project-MATIP.
The contract was officially awarded to Omugoli Construction Company limited on Monday.
