The site for the Serem Economic Stimulus Programme (ESP) Market has officially been handed over to the contractor, paving the way for the commencement of construction expected to be completed within 12 months.
The project, awarded to Datanet Holding Company Limited, will cost Sh72,557,962.50 and is aimed at improving the trading environment for local traders while boosting economic activity in Hamisi Sub-County.
Speaking during the site handover ceremony on Monday, Hamisi Member of Parliament Charles Gimose urged the contractor to adhere strictly to the project timeline to ensure traders benefit from the facility without unnecessary delays.
Gimose cautioned the contractor against sourcing unskilled labor from outside the sub-county, emphasizing that local residents should be given priority to benefit economically from the project. He noted that only specialized skilled labor should be sourced externally where necessary.
The MP also encouraged the contractor to utilize locally available construction materials, saying this would stimulate the local economy and generate additional revenue for the sub-county.
He further called on traders and residents who are yet to demolish their kiosks, stalls, and shops at the site to cooperate fully by vacating the area to allow construction works to begin immediately and avoid time wastage.
“To ensure continuity of business, the county government must identify an alternative trading site where traders can temporarily operate during the construction period,” Gimose said. He added that this would prevent traders from relocating to neighboring Nandi County, which could lead to loss of revenue for Hamisi Sub-County.
Residents welcomed the project, saying it would provide a more organized and conducive working environment once completed. They expressed optimism that the new market would offer proper shelter, improved sanitation, and enhanced security for traders and customers.
The Serem ESP Market will be a single-story facility constructed on a 2,046-square-meter parcel of land. Once completed, it will accommodate 200 stalls, 100 external sellers, and approximately 1,600 buyers. Additional facilities will include an ablution block, waste management cubicles, access roads, parking spaces, CCTV surveillance, a solar-powered borehole, a chain-link fence, and a septic tank.
Meanwhile, a spot check by KNA revealed that construction of the Mbale Modern Market, valued at Sh362,845,295, is progressing. The site has been cleared and is currently at the leveling stage, with excavation works expected to commence soon.
The Mbale Modern Market will be a two-story facility featuring 1,000 stalls, with space to accommodate 2,000 traders operating outside the market.
By Maureen Imbayi
