Elderly Verulam Market traders call for action as crumbling infrastructure affects livelihoods
Traders at Verulam Farmers’ Market say blocked drains, leaking roofs and closed toilets are hurting business, while eThekwini Municipality has ordered inspections and remedial action.
The Verulam Farmers' Market, a vital trading hub in the northern region of eThekwini, faces deteriorating infrastructure that is threatening the livelihoods of its elderly traders. With crumbling roofs, blocked drains, leaking ceilings, exposed electrical wires, and closed men's toilets, the market is in a state of neglect. The Verulam Business Forum has escalated complaints to the municipality, questioning how conditions have persisted despite the nearby Sizakala Centre operating in the same building.
Fourth-generation farmer Inthran Naidoo expressed concern, stating that had the municipality maintained the infrastructure, the current situation would not have arisen. Traders have been forced to attempt clearing blocked drains themselves and face a loss of customers due to the poor conditions. Naidoo fears that the market could suffer the same fate as Tongaat, a market that closed due to deteriorating conditions.
The Verulam Farmers' Market serves farmers from various areas and provides an important outlet for agricultural produce. The forum, chaired by Roshan Lil-Ruthan, has called for urgent intervention to address the deteriorating conditions, emphasizing the need for basic human dignity, safe working conditions, proper sanitation, and responsible municipal management.
Municipal officials have been tasked with inspecting the facility and addressing the concerns, with eThekwini Water and Sanitation, Cleansing and Solid Waste, and the Electricity Department each given specific responsibilities.
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