Ugunja market shut following cholera outbreak

Health officials in Siaya County on Wednesday closed down Ugunja Market following a cholera outbreak in the area over the last two weeks that has led to the death of five people.

Addressing the press at his office, Ugunja Sub-County Medical officer of health Dr Bernard Onguche confirmed the closure of the market, citing poor sanitation.

“The decision was reached after a consultative meeting with all health stakeholders in the area. The market has only one clean toilet and no clean water, it also has a poor drainage system,” he said.

Onguche noted that the market would remain closed until the set standards are met and urged authorities to remove a dumpsite situated next to the market.

“The market will remain closed until clean water is provided, toilets and other sanitary facilities are provided.”

Onguche is however optimistic that health conditions in the area will improve, stating that the number of those admitted had dropped to 11.

He further said that the health department has initiated plans to sensitise people about cholera and the importance of good sanitation in schools and villages.

However, traders did not welcome the move to close the market, with others blaming the county government for not ensuring the hygienic conditions of the market were up to par.

“The health department should provide good solutions to curb the disease and not cutting our source of income by closing the market,” a trader said.