Nairobi-based structured trade and project financing advisory firm Benchmark Solutions Limited has signed a US$11.633 million funding arrangement agreement with Uganda’s Mbarara Makhan Singh Market Landlords Association (limited by guarantee).
In a statement sent to the newsroom, the agreement was signed in Nairobi by Benchmark Solution Chief Executive Officer Laura Akunga Muriithi Mwenje and Mbarara Makhan Singh Market Landlords Association Chairman Mr. Thomas Mukundane.
Commenting on the agreement, Ms. Akunga said, “Benchmark Solutions is pleased to be part of this important arrangement, which we believe is a significant step forward in the revitalization of the Mbarara Makhan Singh Market, an iconic trading center that has been a cornerstone of Mbarara’s regional commerce since 1960.”
Established in 2007 with 300 members, the Mbarara Makhan Singh Market Landlords Association has seen its membership grow to 639 as it continues to oversee the management of the market.
The market is located on 1.67 acres of land in the heart of Mbarara City’s central business district. It comprises 67 lockup shops, 106 kiosks, 150 stalls, 16 restaurants, and 69 second-hand clothing shades. However, these facilities have fallen into a state of functional and economic obsolescence over the years.
The US$11.633 million in real estate project financing will be used to transform the existing market into a modern, seven-story shopping center featuring 280 lockup shops, 130 shelled rooms, 330 stalls, a daycare center, 30 toilet facilities, 60 underground parking bays, and 30 roadside parking bays.
“The aim of the project is to overhaul the market so as to provide a conducive and contemporary environment for small-scale vendors within Mbarara Makhan Singh Market,” Mukundane said.
The renovation work is expected to be completed in a span of 28 to 36 months.
The signing was witnessed by Mr. Deus Nkwasibwe, who represented the Office of the President (Uganda); Planbuild Technical Services Director Mr. Dennis Wandera; and Planbuild Technical Services Finance Officer Mr. Simon Jungu.
By Hamdi M.Buthul Buthul
