Garissa traders want construction of new market hastened

THE business community in Garissa town is appealing to the county government to hasten the rebuilding of the famous Suq-Mugdi market that was gutted by a fire that also destroyed merchandise worth millions of shillings.

The traders said the market was central to the lives of many people as it met their daily supplies from the neighbouring counties and from as far as Nairobi.

Speaking to KNA, Garissa Deputy Governor Abdi Dagane however called for patience and encouraged traders to occupy Nadhif market adjacent to the Garissa Municipality until a new market is constructed as pledge by President William Ruto during his recent working tour of the region.

Garissa town residents are also demanding adequate firefighting equipment with well-trained personnel to address frequent fires that leave a trail of destruction, injuries and sometimes fatalities and huge losses.

Mama Sahara Ahmed and Dowlay Duale said the absence of proper business premises with adequate infrastructure leaves the traders frustrated and unable to plan their ventures.

Ahmed said the market has been destroyed by fire many times because of makeshift structures such as carton box sheds with tree branches as pillars, materials that easily catch fire.

“We need a modern market with necessary services including a place for the fire department and access routes. It is unfortunate that many traders who are mostly women, some of them widowed, lose their properties through preventable night fires,” Duale lamented.

Ahmed, who lost property worth thousands of shillings, called on local leaders to ensure the livelihoods of the traders are restored for them to fend for themselves and their families.

The traders expressed their gratitude for the many well-wishers who rushed to their rescue by providing them with tents, food and some money to jump-start their business.