The sin of neglect

I find it difficult not to despair when I think of the state of some of our markets. Note that I say some, not all. It’s a topic I’ve addressed frequently in this column, but I remain baffled by the lack of positive action on this issue.

Logic tells us that when there’s a problem, be it mechanical, operational or any other, it makes sense to attend to it before it becomes worse.

These market owners know full well about the problems in their establishments. Over the years they have received numerous reports from managers and others detailing the things that need attention. Some have even spent precious funds on so-called ‘consultants’ merely to confirm what everybody has been saying for years.

cold room woes

Here is a case in point. The manager of a small market recently called to say that he and his staff had experienced a problem with their cold room at the weekend and were still waiting for something to be done about it.

Cold rooms are expensive yet crucial requirements at a market, so proper maintenance and prompt repairs are imperative. Why, then, does this market not have systems and procedures to make sure these are carried out?

the same lame excuses

I don’t know how many times I’ve heard the tired refrain, “There’s no money in the budget”. Yet somehow the budget always seems to comfortably accommodate the exorbitant salaries of incompetent and often idle staff.

The question of responsibility seems to allude these bureaucrats.

They have a responsibility to the farmers whose hard-won produce is displayed on the floor and stored in the cold rooms.

They have a responsibility to the market agents and buyers who need an efficient system to run their businesses.

And they have a responsibility to the owners of the market, who have invested in the operation in good faith.

Do these responsibilities merely amount to empty promises? Does nobody take them seriously?

So many questions, and so few answers.

• Michael Cordes is an agricultural journalist, consultant, trainer and former farmer. Email him at farmersweekly@caxton.co.za. Subject line: Market Floor.