Residents of Ndhiwa Sub-County are a delighted lot after the National Government Affirmative Action Fund (NGAAF) allocated Sh25 million for construction of a modern market at Ratanga Trading Center.
Homa Bay Woman Representative Dr. Joyce Bensouda Osogo said the market is targeted to be ready in five months.
She said the project was in response to an outcry from the market vendors who were always disrupted by rains and endured long hours under scorching sun, noting it will make business environment conducive for the vendors.
The legislator, who officiated the ground breaking ceremony for the construction of the market Monday said the building will also boost hygiene levels in the market.
“My vision has always been to empower women and youth traders. The market will achieve this besides enhancing revenue collection for the County Government,” Dr. Osogo said.
The market will have over 300 stalls with lockable compartments where traders will store their merchandise safely overnight. It will also have piped water with reservoir tanks.
Dr. Osogo said that security light will be installed to enhance security and enable trade late into the night.
An office and ablution block will also be constructed at the market to promote personal hygiene.
Dr. Osogo said the market is the second that her office is constructing during her tenure, after Ramba market in Kabondo Kasipul constituency.
She said all due process had been followed including public participation and open tendering for contractors to bid for the job.
“My technical team was involved in the whole process. The whole process followed the law and had no shortcuts,” Dr. Osogo said.
According to the woman representative, the market in Ratanga will later have a second phase of construction for expansion.
“I am appealing to residents to be vigilant and ensure nobody steals building materials from the site. Remember funds being used here are tax payers’ money,” the legislator said.
A company called Mango Tree Marine Limited is undertaking the project.
Dr. Osogo instructed the company to deliver quality workmanship and asked the county public works department to supervise the work closely warning that her office will not approve payment for shoddy work.
“Supply of materials and unskilled labour will be from local residents but the contractor must approve the quality of the supplies,” Dr. Osogo said.
Mango Tree Marine Limited Project Manager Bernard Siro said they will ensure the work is done within the specified timelines.
Mr. Siro explained that much of the project is steel work. He said his company condensed the timelines for completion of the project to reduce cost of construction.
“If a project drags, it drains a company. It is possible for us to deliver the project in a record five months,” Mr. Siro said.
By Davis Langat
