<<Print>>

Lives of traders at Dambai Market in Krachi East District of the Volta Region are in grave danger as they have to deal with a burst public toilet at the market, Today can report.

Today observed during a visit to Dambai recently that the only water closet (WC) in the area sited at the yam market within the main Dambai Market was full to equilibrium which situation has compelled residents in the area to resort to open defecation.

The facility, Today further observed, was overflowing into the Oti River, the only water source that serves the entire community.

The human waste that was flowing into the river also produced a pungent stench at the yam market, which situation was driving patrons away.

Speaking to Today in an interview some traders and residents lamented that the situation has become so terrible that if nothing is done immediately, there will be a catastrophe “because of the smell emanating from the toilet.”

Today also learnt that sachet water producing companies in the area had temporarily closed down as they depended on the River Oti.

“In fact, the smell is so strong that visitors – both local and foreign – who patronise the place are mostly compelled to cover their noses with handkerchiefs,” a resident, who gave his name as Azumah Glah, said.

“It is very common to see market folks and residents covering their noses with handkerchiefs and bare hands anytime they walk around the area just to avoid the disgusting odour…,” some residents who pleaded anonymity expressed.

Apart from the bad state of the toilet, Today was told that residents had to join long queue, particularly in the morning, to attend to nature’s call on the same toilet.

The traders revealed that the situation was not limited to only the Dambai Market, but other public schools and institutions in the Krachi East District.