Diapers on the floor and stray dogs: the market promised as a culinary gem is collapsing

The municipal market in Afula, promised as a culinary gem, is collapsing: merchants describe neglect, dirt, closed restrooms, and many shuttered stores. Workers tell of used diapers, dog feces, and shady individuals. The municipality responds that the complex is privately owned but promises to increase enforcement.

The municipal market in Afula, promised as a culinary gem and entertainment hub, is in a state of severe neglect. In a tour conducted on Friday, one of the busiest trading days, waste, cardboard, bags, food packaging, and used diapers were found. A large portion of the stores were closed, and the public restrooms remained locked. A market worker said the restrooms have been closed for over a year, forcing her to walk to the central bus station or the mall, at least a seven-minute walk. Other workers reported shady individuals, drug users, and dog feces on the premises. An office owner in the complex said his employee left due to the conditions. The municipality stated that the complex is privately owned and that developers entered several years ago to revive it. The municipality claims that a small number of business owners demand that the municipality take responsibility for cleaning, but they were clarified that it is private property. Nevertheless, the municipality promised to increase enforcement against those who litter.