Report flags hygiene and safety concerns at Verulam market

The Verulam Market has for decades served as one of the town's most recognisable landmarks and commercial gathering points.

A report commissioned by the Verulam Business Forum alleges poor sanitation, pest-control and security conditions at the market and calls on eThekwini Municipality to act within 30 days.

Roshan Lil-Ruthan, chairperson of the forum, said the investigation found conditions that compromised trader dignity, customer health, food safety and the sustainability of economic activity within one of Verulam's most historically significant trading centres.

“We received numerous complaints from traders, farmers, hawkers, shoppers and market users. The findings reveal serious concerns relating to hygiene, infrastructure maintenance, public safety, sanitation, traffic management, pest control, building deterioration, trader facilities and overall municipal neglect.

“The Verulam Market remains a critical economic hub for informal traders, emerging entrepreneurs, small-scale farmers and families who rely on daily trading activities for their livelihoods.

“Despite its importance, the current conditions indicate years of inadequate maintenance and insufficient attention to the concerns raised by tenants and users of the facility.”

He said of particular concern was that the eThekwini Municipality Sizakala Centre operated within the same premises, yet the severe conditions experienced daily by traders, customers and hawkers appeared to have gone largely unaddressed.

The Verulam Market has for decades served as one of the town's most recognisable landmarks and commercial gathering points.

Lil-Ruthan said the market had supported generations of traders and farming families, serving as a trading point for fresh produce across northern eThekwini.

He said traders consistently raised concerns regarding rental charges and table fees.

“Many traders indicated that business activity is inconsistent and market traffic fluctuates significantly. In some instances traders reported returning home with unsold stock while still carrying the burden of rental and trading fees.

“The prevailing view among traders is that fees continue to increase while service delivery and maintenance standards continue to decline.

“There is insufficient lighting throughout the market, and inadequate illumination in trading areas, as well as safety concerns due to dark areas.

“The condition of toilet facilities was repeatedly highlighted as one of the most serious issues facing traders.

“We found inadequate cleaning standards, and the absence of basic necessities such as toilet paper.

“The denial of properly functioning ablution facilities is not only unacceptable but also raises serious health and human dignity concerns.

“The investigation uncovered that there were dirty aisles emitting strong foul odours, blocked storm-water drains, staff allegedly sweeping waste into drainage systems, and the infrequent cleaning of public areas.”

He said a rat infestation was among the health concerns.

“The refuse collection area was identified as a major concern. Traders described frequent sightings of rats, rat activity near trading spaces, and infestation concerns.

“There were no visible rodent bait stations or pest-control boxes observed during the investigation.

“We found that there was also poor maintenance of the infrastructure.

“Security concerns included limited visible security presence, concerns over vehicle security, and a lack of monitoring at exit points.

Lil-Ruthan said the forum had written to the City, and sent them a copy of the report.

He said they called on the municipality to implement immediate corrective measures, including immediate action within 30 days, an emergency cleaning and sanitisation programme, and comprehensive pest and rodent control intervention.

“The municipality needs to address the concerns of the traders and the outcome of the investigation.

“Long term action from them should include a comprehensive market revitalisation strategy, a formal stakeholder engagement with traders, and the creation of a Market Management Committee,” Lil-Ruthan added.

A comment from eThekwini Municipality was not provided at the time of publication.