Verulam Farmers’ Market traders demand urgent repairs as infrastructure deteriorates

Traders at Verulam Farmers’ Market are demanding urgent repairs due to deteriorating infrastructure. The market, located on Wick Street, is plagued by blocked toilets, leaking roofs, blocked drains, crumbling flooring, exposed electrical wires, and closed men's toilets. Traders fear the deteriorating conditions may lead to the market's demise, as they attribute the current situation to years of neglect and poor maintenance by eThekwini Municipality.

The Verulam Business Forum, consisting of traders, farmers, and community members, has been raising concerns about the market's state and its impact on business and livelihoods. The Forum is particularly concerned about the lack of proper sanitation and functioning infrastructure, which they argue affects not only traders but also customers and the wider community.

The market, which serves farmers from areas such as Tongaat and Ndwedwe, is considered a vital economic and cultural asset for the northern region of eThekwini. The Forum has called for the municipality to address the issues without shutting down trading, emphasizing the need for safe working conditions, proper sanitation, and responsible municipal management.