CONCERN mother Mrs Nagarita Bea advises women to promote and practise good hygiene in terms of local food sold at the market in Gizo, Western Province.

This is particularly important especially for women who sell their products both vegetable, fruits, local uncooked and cooked food sold at the main Gizo Market.

However, Mrs Bea told Island Sun Gizo yesterday the market needs to be inspected properly by health officials.

She said responsible authorities should inspect Gizo market daily to ensure that all products are clean and healthy for customers.

Bea said Gizo market lacks basic services, such as water supply, sanitation and solid waste disposal, therefore women are encouraged to practise good hygiene daily.

“Gizo markets should have several taps to provide clean water for venders and customers to access safe water for drinking and washing all their market products.

“Many vegetable and fruit sellers often dust their products with unclean water. It is important that they should access to clean water for this,” said Bea.

Bea said Gizo Market lacks enforcement and monitoring by responsible authorities.

“They don’t take proactive steps to maintain the cleanliness in the markets.”

She said solid waste should be collected and disposed daily, and food covers must be clean and tidy.

She urges responsible authorities and NGOs to carry out awareness programmes to educate venders on good hygiene at the market.

“Let us all enjoy the clean environment and eat healthy foods at the main Gizo market.”