Almost all the kitchen markets at 16 upazilas in Comilla are in a deplorable condition, causing serious inconvenience to both the buyers and the sellers.
Although the kitchen markets are the sources of substantial revenue income for the local administration, Bagmara Bazar, Eliotganj Bazar, Companiganj Bazar, Jaforganj Bazar, Elahabad Hat, Moinamoty Bazar, Dolly Nowabpur Hat and Dhamti Hat of the district lie in a pitiable condition for the indifference of district administration.
Sources from these market committees said shortage of space, lack of proper maintenance, filthy stagnant water, heaps of garbage emitting bad smell are common phenomenon in every kitchen market in the district.
Most of the market traders spread their commodities under the open sky for selling under the scorching heat and sometimes in rain due to shortage of sheds that may damage nutrition value of vegetables, said some customers of Eliotganj Bazar.
Some traders of Bagmara Bazar complained about absence of drainage facility in the market.
As a result, the situation has worsened in the rainy season; filth and garbage are left here and there for days, emitting putrid smell that pollutes environment of adjoining areas.
The narrow passages in these markets hamper easy movement of the consumers. The unplanned construction of shops and stalls reduced the space in the markets, which face accommodation problem, said the traders.
Acute scarcity of drinking water is also prevailing in the markets.
Absence of public toilets poses a threat to public health.
Those who have taken lease of the huts and bazaars never visit the areas to see the condition or take measures to improve.
They collect tolls at high rate from the traders through their agents.
Traders of these markets urged authorities to take measures to solve the problems of these markets to ease the woes of customers and traders.