Murang’a traders have asked the county government to prioritise the collection of heaps of garbage dumped in various parts of the town.
They said the garbage had become an eyesore and has pushed away their customers, besides putting their health at risk.
“The garbage has affected our day-to-day activities as the putrid smell continues to affect our businesses,” shoe vendor Stephen Mwangi said.
He said he is forced to sweep the garbage after it piles up near his stall.
“The garbage is transported and dumped near my stall every now and then. If the county government does not come up with a better arrangement of collecting it, I might be forced to relocate the business or close it altogether,” Mwangi said.
The traders said the number of customers has reduced as the refuse has blocked entrances to the market.
Valentine Mwaura, a fashion designer, said, “The garbage is about five metres from my business and the odour emanating from it has driven away some of my customers.”
Trader John Macharia said although the county government has been collecting taxes from them, it does not clean the market.
“We have been paying taxes daily yet no one cleans up the market. If the county government will not collect the garbage, we will be forced to stop paying taxes until they clean the market,” he said.
Governor Irungu Kang’ata promised to prioritise garbage collection in Murang’a town and other major trading centres including Kenol, Kangari and Kandara.
Kang’ata said he would present a supplementary budget to the county assembly that if approved, would allow him to purchase more garbage trucks to aid in garbage collection.
