2017 Jos Trade Fair: Exhibitors Decry Poor Sanitation

By Blessing Odega

Jos – Some participants at the ongoing Jos 2017 Trade Fair have expressed displeasure at the poor sanitary condition of the venue.

A Lagos-based exhibitor and dealer in jewelries, Mr Emmanuel Adeniyi, who spoke with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday in Jos, identified inadequate toilets and lack of water at the trade fair ground as major causes of the poor sanitation.

He said that most of the rest rooms were an eyesore despite the fact that people paid money to use them for their convenience, adding that such facilities needed to be disinfected and washed thoroughly for use.

Adeniyi called on the organisers of the fair to improve the sanitary condition now and in subsequent trade fairs.

He also flayed the general organisation of the fair, saying that most of the stands had no light and water was in short supply, beside the fact that most wires were left bare which could cause fire outbreak.

Contributing, an exhibitor who preferred anonymity, emphasised the need for the organisers to ensure that some basic amenities are available in future trade fairs in view of the fact that the provision of such amenities formed part of the rent they pay for their various stands.

NAN reports that water vendors are currently making brisk business at the fair as they are seen carrying various sizes of jerry cans and water containers in their water carts.

One of the vendors who spoke with NAN, Malam Tata Ibrahim, disclosed that he makes between N2,000 and N2,500 daily, since the commencement of the fair.

NAN also reports that a 50-litre jerry can of water cost N200.

Reacting to the development, the organiser of the fair, Ms Bolcit Barshep, said she was unaware of the poor sanitary situation at the venue.

She noted that not less than 5,000 people trooped into the venue with only five rest rooms and five bathrooms.
Barshep, who is the Managing Director of Anista Marketing and Events Limited, further said just 20 widows were taking care of the venue daily as sweepers and cleaners since the beginning of the fair.

According to her, absence of electricity at most of the stands is due to the temporary nature of the venue, adding that for the entire place to have light much work needed to be done including the digging of ground for armoured cables to be used for the supply of electricity.

On water scarcity at the venue, she said a borehole was at the entrance for interested participants and members of the public to use, urging those who have complaints to meet officers on the Information Desk for necessary assistance.

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2017 Jos Trade Fair: Exhibitors Decry Poor Sanitation