In an investigation report submitted to the eThekwini Municipality, the Verulam Business Forum called for urgent intervention to address the deteriorating infrastructure, sanitation problems and safety concerns at the Verulam Farmers' Market.
WITH toilets closed, drains blocked, roofs leaking and parts of the building crumbling, traders fear years of neglect could spell the end for one of Verulam's most important trading hubs.
Now, at the 11th hour of the local government election (LGE), pressure is mounting on eThekwini Municipality to address the deteriorating conditions at the Verulam Farmers’ Market on Wick Street.
A municipal electricity official arrived at the market on Monday to inspect its infrastructure following complaints escalated by the Verulam Business Forum. Engineering officials were also expected to assess parts of the building where concrete structures were breaking apart.
In its demand for urgent intervention, the forum questioned how the conditions have been allowed to persist when the municipality's Sizakala Centre operated in the same building.
Fourth-generation farmer Inthran Naidoo was taken aback by Monday's sudden activity.
The visit follows months of efforts to draw attention to the state of the market, where traders say the deteriorating conditions are driving customers away and eating into their livelihoods.
Naidoo said the situation reflected "a wider failure by the municipality to maintain its infrastructure".
“Had they maintained the infrastructure, I'm talking across the board now, we would not be sitting in the situation we are in,” he said.
The state of the drains had become so bad two weeks ago that Naidoo bought drain cleaner and attempted to clear them himself.
“You couldn't breathe in the market,” he said.
Leaking roofs and blocked gutters allow rainwater into trading areas, while sections of the flooring are crumbling.
Electrical wires are exposed and the men's toilets on the fresh produce level have been closed since March.
Traders say the conditions are taking a toll on business, with some smaller operators having already left.
Sugen Reddy, who has traded at the market since 1988, said the loss of customers had hit traders hard.
“People stopped coming to the market. We lost income,” he said.
Naidoo fears the market could suffer the same fate as Tongaat, where deteriorating conditions eventually led to its closure for renovations.
He said farmers who had previously traded at Tongaat moved to Verulam as conditions worsened there. Its closure left smaller traders struggling to make a living, with some forced to buy produce elsewhere and sell it outside the market.
“We're going to end up worse than Tongaat. We don't want to go into the same situation with the Verulam market,” he said.
The market serves farmers from areas including Tongaat and Ndwedwe, providing an important outlet for agricultural produce and a source of income for people beyond Verulam.
“The Verulam Farmers’ Market was the hub of Verulam. It built the economy, not just for the market but for the town.”
He said if repairs were on the cards it should be carried out without shutting down trading, pointing out that there are days when the market is not operational.
“There’s no such thing as closing the market for the renovation,” he said.
Forum chairperson Roshan Lil-Ruthan said they decided to investigate the complaints after hearing from traders, farmers, hawkers, shoppers and members of the public.
“The market remains one of the most important economic and cultural assets within the northern region of eThekwini. Yet, despite its historical significance and economic value, the facility has deteriorated to a condition that many traders describe as unacceptable, unhealthy and undignified.
“The voices of traders, farmers, hawkers and shoppers are clear. They are not calling for special treatment. They are calling for basic human dignity, safe working conditions, proper sanitation, functioning infrastructure and responsible municipal management.”
He said the presence of the Sizakala Centre in the same premises raised further questions about oversight and accountability.
“The most shocking aspect of this investigation is that the eThekwini Municipality's Sizakala Centre shares the very same premises and operates alongside these conditions daily.”
Lil-Ruthan said the market had supported generations of traders, farmers and families, drawing shoppers from Verulam and surrounding communities.
“It serves not only the residents of Verulam but also attracts people locally from Ndwedwe, Oakford, Hazelmere, Cottonlands, Canelands, Osindisweni, Tongaat, Phoenix, Mount Edgecombe, Ballito and other surrounding areas.
“The market is a symbol of resilience and grassroots economic participation. It has become part of the social fabric of the town and has even featured in documentaries, tourism promotions and various media productions that showcase the vibrancy of local community life.”
In a response to Lil-Ruthan, Sabathile Lunga, from the Office of the Executive Director: Technical Services, said the relevant municipal departments had been asked to inspect the facility and address several of the concerns.
eThekwini Water and Sanitation was asked to inspect the toilets, investigate water supply concerns and attend to blocked stormwater drains and possible sewer-related issues.
Cleansing and Solid Waste was asked to undertake an urgent deep clean, improve refuse collection and investigate concerns about cleaning standards, staff supervision and accountability.
The Electricity Department was asked to assess the infrastructure and address faulty or inadequate lighting.
The departments were also asked to arrange site inspections and provide feedback on corrective measures, the officials responsible and anticipated timeframes.
Lil-Ruthan told POST he welcomed the municipality's immediate response but said the forum would wait to see whether the interventions were implemented before deciding if it was satisfied.
“At this stage, I cannot honestly say that we are satisfied until we see the actual directive issued by the Executive Director Mr Ednick Msweli implemented by his subordinates,” said Lil-Ruthan.
eThekwini municipal spokesperson Senzelwe Mzila said the market was an important economic hub that supported informal trade, small businesses and local economic activity within the northern region of the municipality.
“The concerns outlined in the report will be referred to the relevant municipal units for assessment and verification. The city continuously undertakes maintenance, cleaning, infrastructure, security and operational interventions at its facilities, subject to available resources and approved programmes.
“Where areas requiring attention are identified, the municipality will address them through the appropriate processes and will continue engaging stakeholders on matters affecting the operation of the facility.”