By K, KNA
The business community in Igembe North Constituency is set to benefit from improved trading facilities, following the launch of two modern markets in Laare and Mutuati trading centres by the National Government, at a total cost of Sh700 million.
The two projects, each valued at Sh350 million, were officially launched on Friday at Laare Trading Centre.
The event brought together contractors, the Deputy County Commissioner (DCC), officers from the State Department of Housing and Urban Development, local traders, and the area Member of Parliament, Julius Taitumu.
Speaking during the launch, Igembe North Member of Parliament (MP), Julius Taitumu, lauded the government’s commitment to uplifting local traders and improving various infrastructures within the Constituency.
He noted that the markets will offer a conducive environment for business operations, complete with vital facilities and proper sanitation.
“We want our businessmen and women to be relocated to a conducive place with proper facilities and sanitation,” said Taitumu adding, “I have instructed the contractor that all non-skilled labourers must come from Igembe North, so that our people benefit directly from the project. We urge our youth to take-up these opportunities instead of lamenting about joblessness while idle at home,” he challenged.
Engineer Kelvin Mawira from the State Department of Housing and Urban Development outlined the features of the new facilities, explaining that each market will be a two-storey complex equipped with modern amenities to enhance efficiency and comfort, while transacting.
According to Mawira, the ground floor will house butcheries, a kitchen area, and a social hall. Other amenities include cold storage rooms, ICT facilities for youth, lactation rooms for mothers, CCTV surveillance, a powerhouse with a standby generator, solar-powered boreholes, and ample parking and service areas for suppliers.
The construction, expected to commence within two weeks, will take approximately twelve months following which the facilities will be handed over to the Meru County Government for management.
Representing the State Department of Housing and Urban Development, Mr. Patrick Mwangi confirmed that the construction sites had officially been handed over to the contractor -Fortune Best Buys Africa Limited. “We are here to hand over the sites, and the contractor is expected to commence work within two weeks,” he said.
