A DISTURBING photo of huge slices of tuna placed for sale on the dirty seafront concrete pavement of the Honiara Central Market Fish Section has drawn attention and criticism over the unhygienic practices by fish vendors.
The photo, which was posted on the popular Yumi Tok Tok Forum (YTTF) Facebook page, prompted commentators to urge the general public in Honiara to refrain from buying fish from the Honiara Central Market Fish Section.
It is understood that many Honiara residents, including fish and chips sellers and a few small restaurants, buy tuna from the Honiara Central Market.
Some commentators said the photo exposes the ongoing unhygienic practices by some, if not all fish vendors at the market, and this raises grave health concerns.
Other commentators said most people who have bought fish from the Honiara Central Market Fish Section complained of diarrhea after eating them.
Some commentators even stated that the seaside of Honiara Central Market is also used by some people to defecate as they cannot afford to pay for the entrance fees to use the public toilet facilities there.
The commentators are calling on the Honiara City Council (HCC) to seriously address this issue and organize the market properly.
They said HCC should provide enough tables for fish vendors, just like all other vendors at the market, to place their products on for sale.
They said the failure by the council to provide tables for all fish vendors has led to their employment of such unhygienic practices, which will impact on the buyers and consumers of their products.
By IAN LADDS OSO
Solomon Star, Honiara
