Lamu municipal market will undergo a Sh50 million facelift to accommodate more traders and improve hygene.
The project is funded by the World Bank. Traders will be temporarily relocated to pave way for the works.
Lamu is among 53 municipalities that submitted applications for the Sustainable Urban Economic Development Project.
Ten municipalities were selected. The funding supports fast-growing municipalities to develop critical infrastructure.
Lamu municipality manager Omar Famau said yesterday the funds have already been disbursed and work will start in a few weeks.
He said the focus will be on increasing the number of stalls, enhancing hygiene and storage facilities including coolants.
The facelift will also address waste management.
“We are thankful to the governor for championing this venture. We look forward to a modern market befitting this town,” Famau said.
The municipality has held two meetings with stakeholders. The first brought together residents and MCAs from the four wards of Mkomani, Shella, Hindi and Basuba.
The second comprised traders who operate at the market.
“So much is happening in Lamu and more is expected. We are talking of projects like LAPSSET and that’s why we are putting up better infrastructure to encourage investment and trade,” county assembly majority leader Abdalla Baabad said.
Mkomani MCA Yahya Shee assured traders there will be adequate space in the new market and no one will be kicked out or lose their space as has been the fear of many.
“The traders who were there earlier will be given first priority in space allocation once the new market is done. We will have an inventory of all traders to ensure everything flows smoothly,” Shee said.
The leaders said the market will be user-friendly to accommodate persons with disability.
