WESTERN provincial government and Gizo Town Council have been called to address the waste problems at Gizo market.
Markets vendors and residents are calling for improved waste management solutions to maintain cleanliness and hygiene.
They urged the local authorities to take immediate action, including increasing waste collection, providing more bins, and enforcing proper disposal measures.
A visit by the Solomon Star to the market revealed piles of rubbish, including market waste, leaf scraps, and other discarded materials, accumulating in and around the designated rubbish storage area before being transported to the District landfill.
The lack of proper disposal methods is not only an eyesore but also poses serious health and environmental risks. Overflowing bins and waste left uncollected for days have worsened the situation, according to concerned residents and local leaders.
One concerned Gizo resident told this paper that the waste problem is affecting daily market activities and needs urgent attention.
“The smell is unbearable, and it attracts flies. We need a proper system in place to manage waste effectively inside the market’s rubbish storage area,” the resident said.
In an interview with the Solomon Star, Gizo Town Council Clerk Charles Kelly acknowledged the issue, attributing the increasing waste problem to market vendors traveling from nearby islands to sell their produce.
“Almost every day, more rubbish is produced that was taken over to Gizo market by market vendors, causing waste to pile up and making the market’s rubbish section look untidy,” Kelly said.
He emphasized that the market management needs a well-structured plan to handle the overflowing waste efficiently.
“This is a serious concern that must be properly addressed,” he added.
Some have also suggested awareness programs to educate market users on responsible waste disposal.
Gizo market has a dedicated vehicle, but its not clear how the rubbish to were left uncollected for days.
By ULUTAH GINA
Solomon Star, Gizo
