By B, KNA
The State Department of Housing has handed over the site for construction of a modern market at Ciumbu trading centre in Maragua constituency.
The Sh65 million facility that targets to host 200 traders is slated to be constructed within a period of six months.
During a public participation and handing over ceremony held on Monday, local residents unanimously endorsed the project which is being done under the Economic Stimulus Programme (ESP).
Speaking during the occasion, the County Director of Housing Ms Laureen Wasungu stated that construction of the market will start immediately saying the contractor was already on the site.
She noted that Ciumbu will be the 13th market to be constructed by the national government in Murang’a County saying plans are under way to kick start construction of Kabati market.
“Currently the government is constructing 12 markets under ESP. Ciumbu will be 13th market in this county. Already three markets are complete and about to be handed over to the county government.
“The three markets ready for handover are Gikoe, Kambirwa and Muthithi. The other markets are at various stages of completion.” Added the Director.
The Ciumbu market will feature essential amenities including cold and dry rooms, mothers’ rooms, an ICT hub, a social hall, hotel and ablution block.
“The modern markets are expected to boost economic activities at the grassroots. Traders will get conducive areas for conducting their businesses as well as farmers getting markets for their produce.” Said Wasungu adding that a borehole will be drilled to provide water for the market.
She assured that the contractor will consider employing locals in the construction works of the market.
Local residents urged the county government to boost supply of water at the market so as to complement water that will be sourced from the borehole.
“We appreciate the government for considering putting up a market in this area. This will help us to shift from working under scathing sun and muddy areas during the rainy season to a better place,” said Mary Wanjiku, one of the traders.
She continued “our appeal is to the county government to improve on collection of garbage as the exercise has been experiencing delays.”