In the bustling town of Osino, located in the Fanteakwa South District of Ghana, the Osino market serves as the economic heartbeat of the community. The market attracts vendors and customers from far and wide, making it a vital center of trade and commerce. However, the Osino market women are currently facing a grave issue that threatens their health and dignity—the deplorable state of their public toilet facilities.
The public toilet facilities at Osino Market have long been a matter of concern for the women who rely on them daily. These toilets, which are meant to provide a sanitary solution for vendors and visitors, have deteriorated to an unacceptable level.
According to some market women who spoke to Michael Agyapong Agyapa, the toilets are often unclean and unsanitary, lacking regular cleaning and maintenance. This puts the health of the users at risk, particularly in an era where hygiene is paramount.
Madam Anita Anim, a market woman, said that "with a large number of market women and visitors, the existing toilet facilities are insufficient to meet the demand. Long queues and overcrowding are common, leading to inconvenience and discomfort; the toilet is now choked."
The Impact on Market Women
The deplorable state of the public toilets at Osino Market has severe repercussions on the lives of the market women and visitors. These consequences include:
According to the market women, inadequate sanitation facilities increase the risk of waterborne diseases, infections, and other health problems among the market women and customers.
They added that the lack of privacy and security in the existing toilets makes it uncomfortable for women to use them, particularly during their menstrual periods, leading to a loss of dignity and a feeling of insecurity.
The poor sanitation situation can deter potential customers from visiting the market, impacting the livelihoods of the market women who depend on their daily sales.
The Call for Action
Recognizing the urgent need for improved sanitation facilities, the Osino market women are taking a stand. They are calling upon the local authorities, including the Fanteakwa South District Assembly and other relevant stakeholders, to address this pressing issue. Their demands include:
Renovation and Upgrading: The market women request that the existing toilet facilities be renovated and upgraded to meet modern standards of hygiene and comfort.
Regular Maintenance: They call for a maintenance plan that ensures the facilities are cleaned and serviced regularly to maintain a high level of hygiene.
Expansion: To accommodate the growing number of market users, there is a need to expand the toilet facilities to reduce overcrowding.
Privacy and Security: The market women request that measures be taken to provide privacy and security within the toilets, including functional doors and partitions.