For quite some time now, the Yaounde municipal authorities have instituted a clean-up campaign in the wake of the fast declining hygiene condition observed in virtually all of the city’s markets.

It was about time because in many of the markets, especially in those dedicated to the sale of foodstuff, hygiene had been thrown to the dogs and the markets present scenes of desertion and filth with abandoned dirt and overflowing refuse containers which often remain un-emptied for days and even weeks.

This system, as well-intentioned as it is in the process of improving the hygiene situation, has shown limits. Cleaning food markets once a week, especially markets where particles of raw food and fruits are left all over the place after sales, is far from enough! If the objective is to have cleaner markets, there is obviously reason to revisit the strategy. A good measure can only be one that is long-lasting or durable.

Since the market people and their customers are all aware of the need to have clean markets, it is necessary to summon all the stakeholders so that new and sustainable strategies in keeping these markets clean can be discussed and adopted in a spirit of oneness. One must concede that existing rules on hygiene in the various markets have hardly ever been respected. An effort to enforce the respect of these laws could also turn things around. This will require a more visible presence of law-enforcement personnel in markets as a deterrent for those given to negative ways.

Inflicting fines for poorly kept premises can also play the trick. But it must also be said that the public authorities do not invest enough in making these markets comfortable. This begins with ensuring that sheds are well built , market corridors well maintained, drainage systems well built up, water made available and, in fact, all what it takes to keep a market clean and attractive to customers. Markets, especially in big cities as Yaounde, are a must-destination for visitors and the grisly picture they project, requires urgent and long-lasting measures to make them the attractive places they are supposed to be.