SOUTH WAZIRISTAN: The once-thriving vegetable market in Wana has turned into a dumping ground, causing constant nuisance for fruit vendors, traders, and the general public.

All stakeholders allege that negligence on the part of Tehsil Municipal Administration (TMA) officials has led to the current state of disarray, with mud-filled streets and piles of uncollected garbage.

They stated that the lack of sanitation has significantly affected businesses of tribal traders, as the unbearable stench and filth have driven customers away from buying vegetables and fruit at the market. Shopkeepers and traders claim that the situation is negatively impacting their livelihoods and that they are suffering tremendous challenges.

Taj Mohammad Wazir, a local political leader, voiced his disgust at the unsightly state of affairs and called on the local government authorities to address this persistent problem right away.

It merits a mention that in addition to producing an unpleasant stench, rubbish piles raise the possibility of an epidemic of various illnesses, such as dengue and malaria.

Locals and businesspeople warned that they would have no choice but to stage a protest rally if the issue was not resolved quickly. In order to stop future carelessness, they called for strong action against the TMA’s officials concerned. They also called for the market’s sanitary infrastructure to be overhauled.

Published in Dawn, October 27th, 2024