The State Department for Housing and Urban Development, under the Economic Stimulus Program (ESP), is set to construct a modern market at Habaswein town, after Wajir South Member of Parliament (MP), Mohamed Adow, handed over land for the project.
Speaking during the handing over event at Habaswein town, MP Adow noted that the project aligns with the County Administration’s manifesto of providing a conducive environment for traders and farmers, to sell their wares and produce.
He said that the market is expected to bolster trade and transform the economy of the dusty town, along the busy Modogashe-Wajir road.
“Once completed, the market will benefit about 1,000 people from within and outside the County, who have been trading in open-air and makeshift sheds,” said Adow.
He said the market will create a conducive environment for traders to conduct their businesses.
“This is a key project that is set to transform the economy of our area. The town being along the highway is a major trading center in the county,” Adow said.
The MP emphasized that the government’s investment in market infrastructure, will ensure that traders at the grassroots operate in conducive environments and cut food losses.
“This will guarantee our farmers and traders more earnings, to support more livelihoods in our County,” the Legislator added.
The market will consist of a ground floor, that will accommodate more than 200 modern stalls for traders and the first floor will include a boardroom.
The stalls will be divided into fresh produce and clothes and wares sections.
In addition, the modern market will include, a lactation room for breastfeeding mothers, an ICT room fully connected to the internet and revenue offices.
The market will further have food courts for traders to sell meals to customers and traders in the area.
Wajir South Deputy County Commissioner, Kefa Kigeni, noted that the project will help create employment in the area.
Kigeni asked the contractor to complete the project on time, further insisting on local residents being prioritized in the supply of building materials and construction jobs.
John Karanja, the North Eastern Region lead In-Charge of Housing, revealed that the contract will undertake six month.
“The contractor will start the work immediately after this site is handed over. The project is expected to be completed in six months,” Karanja noted.
By Hamdi Buthul
