27 Aug 2026

A foul uric smell hangs over Kanye Market Place, and for shoppers and traders it has become a daily reality.

The stench is coming from malfunctioning sewer systems around the market, compounded by poor drainage and urine-stained walls on some shop buildings. Officials said the problem contributed to environmental pollution in the area.

The affected system is a waste water trench that runs through the market from around the Council Compound, past the Sefalana Shoppers block of shops. When it backs up, waste gases are released into the air, affecting market attendees and small to medium businesses operating nearby.

The situation has sparked anger among vendors who  said it was hurting both trade and public health.

“At least council should consider odour neutralisers to help break down the odour running through the trenches past the shops, especially around Mongala Mall area and its surroundings,” said Ms Amantle Kodisa of Taukobong Ward.

Ms Kodisa said neutralisers could help people breathe cleaner air while authorities work on long-term solutions. She also noted that although informal traders were not permitted in most areas around the mall, many have positioned themselves there to take advantage of business opportunities near the shopping areas and council premises.

Customers echoed the frustration. Several said they could not rest or eat meals in the market because of the persistent foul air.

In an interview, Marapalalo Ward Councillor, Mr Mothibinyana Kelesitse admitted the sewer system was blocked at one point. He said the council was currently using sewage trucks to manually relieve the malfunctioning system.

He added that the council was hopeful  that the long-awaited sewage water reticulation project would resolve the problem and help keep Kanye clean.

On residents who relieve themselves in building gaps used as access points into the nearby old shopping mall, Cllr Kelesitse said the area had an acute shortage of public restrooms.  

To address this, he suggested the public could turn the challenge into an economic opportunity by running ablution and restroom units, which he said would also ease economic pressures on residents.

Chief Public Health Officer at Kanye District Council, Mr Songa Mosweu, said trading in the area was not allowed due to safety concerns, including roadside operations and the use of flammable substances by mobile kitchens.

He said the lack of restrooms posed a public health risk, especially with the informal sector operating there with nowhere to relieve themselves except at undesignated spots. That, he said, caused much of the uric stench and other human waste around the business area.

“Those found guilty of public indecency are liable to a fine of P1,000.00,” Mr Mosweu stated.

He said provision of portable toilets was being considered as a temporary measure for informal businesses, while plans were underway to relocate them to a designated safe site.

The Department of Physical Planning and Environmental Health is already identifying sites for portable toilets, ablution and kitchen units through an expression of interest open to applicants countrywide. Priority areas include shopping malls and the Sejelo area, which see high business and transport activity.

Mr Mosweu added that council officers routinely visit schools to provide public education on environment and health, stressing the importance of teaching responsibility from a young age.

According to Mr Mosweu, the bad odour was linked to a disabled old waste water network connecting to the sewage ponds, which was affected by the ongoing sanitation water project.

He explained that development works disturbed the waste water route from the Rural Administration Centre pump station that pushes water toward the conservancy tank by Segopotso Primary School.

With that route compromised, the council has had to rely on sanitation trucks. When water exceeds holding capacity at the RAC pump station, it reverses into the trench, releasing bad odour into public spaces. ENDS