Traders in Maungu town, Taita Taveta County are set to benefit as the government embarks on the construction of a new modern market.
The market is expected to bolster trade and transform the economy of the dusty town along the busy Mombasa-Nairobi highway.
The Sh70 million modern market is part of the government’s Economic Stimulus Program (ESP).
While presiding over the site handing-over ceremony on Friday, Voi Abdi Chome said the market will create a conducive environment for traders to conduct their businesses.
“This is a key project that is set to transform the economy of our area. The town being along the highway is a major trading center in the county,” Chome said.
The MP emphasized that the government’s investment in market infrastructure will ensure that traders at the grassroots operate in conducive environments and cut food losses.
"This will guarantee our farmers and traders more earnings to support more livelihoods in our county," the legislator added.
Chome further directed the contractor to ensure construction materials are sourced locally and all jobs given to the locals.
The market will consist of a ground floor that will accommodate more than 200 modern stalls for traders and the first floor will include a boardroom.
The stalls will be divided into fresh produce and clothes and wares sections.
In addition, the modern market will include, a lactation room for breastfeeding mothers, an ICT room fully connected to the internet and revenue offices.
The market will further have food courts for traders to sell meals to consumers in the area.
Taita Taveta County Trade, Tourism, Industrialization and Cooperative Development executive Gertrude Shuwe noted that the project will help create employment in the area.
Shuwe asked the contractor to complete the project on time, further insisting on locals being prioritized in the supply of building materials and construction jobs.
“The contract agreement states that 80 per cent of materials will be supplied by locals. We request the contractor to follow these terms fully,” Shuwe said.
John Karanja, the Coast region lead in charge of housing revealed that the contract will undertake one year.
The construction works, Karanja said, will also include fencing the market and construction of a modern ablution block with a biodigester for waste management.
For security purposes, the state will erect high-mast solar-powered floodlights that will ensure security for the traders as they undertake their businesses.
To facilitate sanitation, a borehole will be drilled for the provision of drinking water and cleaning purposes, rising water tanks and a receptacle.
Further, it will also include a parking pavement that will accommodate at least 40 vehicles.
"The contractor will start the work immediately after this site is handed over. The project is expected to be completed in one year," Karanja noted.
Karanja said that the government has partnered with local Tvets where all skilled labourers will be certified on-site.
