Traders in Makutano Market along Embu-Nairobi Highway have appealed to the Government to fast track completion of the modern Economic Stimulus Package (ESP) market to allow them move in.
Makutano market is predominantly known as a hub for tomatoes, cabbages and onions sale where local farmers sell their produce to both domestic retail and export markets.
The construction of the market that is approximately 90 percent complete stalled in July after the contractor moved out of site following the vandalism that took place during Saba Saba anniversary protests.
The contractor lost equipment and raw materials whereas the market also suffered significant damages after glass windows were shuttered and doors broken and carted away by the demonstrators.
The market with a capacity of 700 traders will among other amenities feature modern stalls, cold storage, improved sanitation and eateries, all meant to offer them an organized environment for them and their customers.
Traders’ majority of who have been carrying out their business in open air along the busy highway where they are prone to accidents and weather vagaries said the market is poised to offer them a conducive work environment.
They have deemed the market as a long-awaited intervention that will give them a dignified environment, make trading efficient and spur economic growth in the area.
Market Chairlady, Joyce Wanjiku, said they have close to 1,000 traders who are selling their produce in the open air where they are exposed to adverse weather conditions that contribute to post harvest losses.
She appealed to the government to facilitate the contractor resume and complete the remaining portion of work so that they can move in before the onset of the short rains.
“During rainy season, some of our traders are forced to close down leading to loss in business and we are confident the new market will offer us uninterrupted business,” she said.
County Executive Committee Member (CECM) in charge of Lands, Housing and Urban Planning Raymond Kinyua said were it not for the setback, the market could have been completed and traders moved in by now.
He, however, assured traders that they were in talks with the National Government with a view of addressing the challenge and have the market completed soonest.
Makutano is one of the nine markets being constructed across the county including the Sh1 billion Ultra-Modern Market in Embu Town, all geared towards spurring economic growth.
by Samuel Waititu
