By Admin
Soroti Central Market vendors and cleaners have expressed optimism about maintaining a clean and healthy environment following a joint cleanup exercise organized by Community Integrated Development Initiatives (CIDI) as part of activities leading up to the April 22 Earth Day celebrations.
The exercise, now in its second day, brought together vendors, cleaners, and city authorities in a collective effort to improve sanitation at one of Soroti City’s busiest commercial hubs.
Simon Olaboro, a vendor at the market, welcomed the initiative, emphasizing the importance of cleanliness in promoting public health. He noted that maintaining a clean environment helps reduce the spread of communicable diseases, particularly those linked to contaminated food.
“Cleanliness is health,” Olaboro said, while urging city authorities to ensure timely garbage collection to prevent the accumulation of waste that attracts flies and spreads germs.
Charles Egwetu, one of the cleaners working under Soroti City Council, said the exercise has significantly eased their workload. He explained that community participation in cleaning efforts is essential in maintaining hygiene standards across the market.
Nathan Oluka, the Officer in Charge of Soroti Central Market, highlighted that the cleanup initiative serves as a learning opportunity for the community. He noted that hygiene conditions in the market have often been a concern, but such exercises encourage shared responsibility in maintaining a safe environment for both vendors and customers.
Beatrice Ruth Arigo, the supervisor of cleaners at the market, acknowledged previous challenges in garbage collection due to the breakdown of the city garbage truck. However, she confirmed that the truck has now been repaired and returned to operation.
Arigo called on vendors and residents to take personal responsibility for waste management, stressing that poor sanitation is largely a result of human behavior rather than government failure.
“It is not the government that throws garbage—it is the people,” she said, urging the community to actively participate in keeping the city clean instead of waiting for authorities.
To strengthen enforcement, Janet Arionget, the health inspector in charge of the market, revealed that a by-law has been introduced requiring residents and vendors to enroll in garbage collection services. She warned that those found dumping waste indiscriminately, especially within the market, will be compelled to comply.
Meanwhile, Grace Akiteng, the CIDI coordinator, encouraged vendors to adopt proper waste sorting practices. She explained that waste can be converted into useful products such as clean energy for cooking and lighting, contributing to environmental conservation.
Akiteng noted that such sustainable practices not only reduce pollution but also create economic opportunities for communities.
As preparations continue for the main Earth Day event scheduled to take place at Eneku Village, CIDI advocacy officer Inviolah Nambi revealed that several challenges have already been identified. These include blocked drainage systems, the high cost of biogas technology, and the dumping of garbage in the market by neighboring communities.
She said these issues will be presented to city leaders and stakeholders during a dialogue meeting aimed at finding lasting solutions to environmental challenges in Soroti.
The cleanup exercise has reinforced the message that environmental protection is a shared responsibility, with stakeholders calling for continued collaboration to ensure a cleaner, healthier city for all.
