The State Department for Housing has handed over the site for construction of a modern market at Kagumoini shopping centre in Mathioya Sub-County, Murang’a.
The County Director of Housing, Ms Laureen Wasungu, has said the contractor has 14 days to mobilize equipment, among other resources, before commencing construction works.
Speaking during the site handover ceremony and a public participation event on Wednesday, Wasungu observed that construction of the Sh.76.5 million modern market will take six months.
She told the local residents, especially the youth, that they are set to benefit with employment opportunities in the construction works.
The market, she added, is expected to host about 300 traders underscoring its importance in spurring economic activities in the shopping centre.
“The market is set to revitalize economic activities in this area. Currently trading activities at Kagumoini market are slow but the modern market will change the face of this centre.” She added.
The Director further assured the residents that the contractor, Dancom Construction Ltd, has been instructed to give priority to local people when employing workers.
Majority of residents who participated in the forum lauded the project saying it will not only boost trading activities but also support farming in the locality.
“The nearest market is in Kiriaini but having a modern one here will support us farmers as we will be able to sell our produce without traveling long distances to access a market,” said one of the local residents Daniel Njuguna.
He asked the county government to form a market committee which will oversee distribution of stalls once the market is completed.
“As the construction starts, a market committee should be in place. The members will assist in identifying the genuine traders from this centre and who will be given priority when allocating spaces in the market,” added Njuguna.
On her part, Lucy Wanjiku asked the government to complete construction of the market in the stipulated period.
“We believe this project will be completed by early next year. We don’t want to witness a stalled market which will have no value to us,” She averred.
Apart from the trading stalls, the market will feature essential amenities including cold and dry rooms, mothers’ rooms, an ICT hub, a social hall, hotel and ablution block.
Dancom Construction Ltd, Operations Manager, Hezron Mbuthia, assured the residents that a large number of the employees will be sourced from within the locality.
“Workers will be sourced from this area but we will not employ those abusing alcohol or drugs as in construction sites we want people who are sober and can observe safety.” Said Mbuthia.
Kagumoini market will be the 14th market to be constructed in Murang’a County with the government targeting to construct 27 markets in the county.
by Bernard Munyao
