Kwale Governor Fatuma Achani has launched the construction of a Sh200 million modern Diani market at Mvindeni in Msambweni Sub County to boost commerce and other economic activities.
Governor Achani says the new market project in the Diani municipality through the county’s economic stimulus programme is meant to support the businesses of small-scale traders.
Other projects alongside the model market are the construction of the Diani Bus Park, construction of Mvindeni-Lotfa road street lights project, upgrading to cabro paving of feeder roads and floodlight project.
Achani says upon completion of the modern market and other infrastructural projects would provide the much-needed boost to the local economy.
Achani says the devolved government will put up similar ultra-modern markets which she touted as a game-changer for the local economy, across the six sub counties of kwale for the benefit of traders and the people.
“We have high hopes that the new modern markets would bring much-needed jobs and economic growth to the areas they will be located,” she said, adding that it would be a relief to traders who are desperate for ways to enhance their businesses.
She says in a bid to ensure order and sanitation around the upcoming imposing market complex which boasts of modern facilities, the county enforcement staff will be prohibiting street trading along the market corridor.
Governor Achani says the new markets represent a model solution to the perennial problem of street trading and hawking.
She says the new modern markets will transform the sub counties into commercial hubs besides fostering economic growth and providing a more organized and accessible space for business activities.
Achnai says once the markets are operational the devolved unit will enforce a ban on trading, hawking and all unauthorized displays of merchandise in walkways, streets and highways across the coastal county to allow for a free flow of traffic and for personal safety.
The coastal county boss says the initiatives are part of the bottom up socio-economic model to empower small and micro enterprises at grassroots levels.
She further said that her administration would continue to embark on more developmental projects for the benefit of the people and investors.
“We want our traders to do business in a cleaner, safer and healthier environment that also ensures the comfort of customers,” she said.
She says the market projects underscores her administration’s commitment to urban infrastructure development aimed at boosting the local economy and enhancing the living standards of area residents.
Achani urged the contractor of the Diani market to complete the market within the stipulated time frame ensuring it becomes a beacon of progress and prosperity for the entire region.
“As a devolved government we will not entertain slow progress or stalling of county projects that would frustrate the people who are desperate for economic opportunities and jobs,” she said.
By Hussein Abdullahi
