The Verulam Business Forum has submitted an investigation report to the eThekwini Municipality, highlighting the urgent need for intervention to address the poor conditions at the Verulam Farmers' Market. The report cites toilets being closed, drains blocked, roofs leaking, and parts of the building crumbling, which has driven customers away and affected traders' livelihoods. The market, a crucial trading hub in Verulam, serves farmers from surrounding areas, including Tongaat and Ndwedwe.
A municipal electricity official recently inspected the market's infrastructure following complaints from the Verulam Business Forum. Engineering officials also assessed parts of the building where concrete structures were breaking apart. Fourth-generation farmer Inthran Naidoo expressed relief at the sudden activity but noted that years of neglect could have been avoided if the municipality had maintained the infrastructure. He emphasized that the situation reflected a wider failure by the municipality to maintain its infrastructure.
Traders have been struggling with the poor conditions, with some smaller operators already leaving the market. Sugen Reddy, who has traded at the market since 1988, reported a significant loss of customers, which has hit traders hard. Naidoo fears that the market could suffer the same fate as Tongaat, which eventually closed for renovations due to deteriorating conditions. He stressed that repairs should be carried out without shutting down trading, pointing out that there are days when the market is not operational.
The Verulam Business Forum chairperson, Roshan Lil-Ruthan, stated that the market remains a vital economic and cultural asset in the northern region of eThekwini. Despite its historical significance and economic value, the facility has deteriorated to a condition that many traders describe as unacceptable, unhealthy, and undignified. Lil-Ruthan emphasized that traders, farmers, hawkers, and shoppers are calling for basic human dignity, safe working conditions, proper sanitation, functioning infrastructure, and responsible municipal management.
The presence of the Sizakala Centre in the same premises as the market has raised questions about oversight and accountability. Lil-Ruthan noted that the centre operates alongside the poor conditions, which is shocking. The market has 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 from nearby areas, including Ndwedwe, Oakford, and Hazelmere.
In response to the concerns, Sabathile Lunga from the Office of the Executive Director: Technical Services stated that the relevant municipal departments have been asked to inspect the facility and address several concerns. The departments were tasked with providing feedback on corrective measures, the officials responsible, and anticipated timeframes. Lil-Ruthan welcomed the municipality's immediate response but emphasized that the forum would wait to see whether the interventions are implemented before deciding if it is satisfied.
The eThekwini municipal spokesperson, Senzelwe Mzila, acknowledged that the market is an important economic hub that supports informal trade, small businesses, and local economic activity. 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.
Key points
- Traders are calling for urgent intervention to address the deteriorating infrastructure, sanitation problems, and safety concerns at the Verulam Farmers' Market.
- The market serves farmers from surrounding areas, including Tongaat and Ndwedwe, and provides an important outlet for agricultural produce and a source of income for people beyond Verulam.
- The Verulam Business Forum has welcomed the municipality's response but will wait to see whether the interventions are implemented before deciding if it is satisfied.
