Emali Business Centre worth Sh183,385,697 million was officially commissioned on Wednesday by Makueni County Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr.
The ultra-modern market that will boost trade in the town will host 4 open air markets with a capacity of hosting 480 traders, administration block (2 offices), 30 wholesale stalls and a restaurant, kitchen storage cabinet, washrooms and changing rooms and 96 retail stalls.
The market will also have an ablution block comprising 8 toilets, 4 each for men and women respectively, 26 tanks of 10,000 litres each for harvesting water, solid waste disposal pins and hand washing points and parking spaces and cold rooms for fresh produce.
“I will ensure this market has a steady flow of water supply. Plans are underway to drill a borehole in the town to provide water to the market and the residents around,” said Mutula while commissioning the market that was funded by the World Bank (WB).
“I appeal to you to help us maintain this market as the investor who helped us is keenly watching. We will maintain high security by installing CCTV cameras so that there will be surveillance 24 hours,” the governor noted.
The market is expected to serve more than 40,000 people including neighbouring Kajiado County. Drainage in the town is set to improve according to the governor.
On Land, he put on notice land grabbers who allegedly intend to subdivide land set aside to construct a university in Emali town which is expected to add value to the area.
“I warn three individuals who want to grab land meant to construct a university in Emali that they will be dealt with according to the law. A university will add more value to this place and our students will study close to home,” Mutula Jr said.
He disclosed that plans were at an advanced stage to construct juakali shades at a five-acre land in the town, adding that his government will also construct a lorry park which is expected to create more jobs as it will operate 24 hours.
The Governor observed that Emali ultra-modern market is the second to be opened in the County after Mukuyuni which was commissioned on 13/10/2023.
Present at the event included County Executive Committee Member (CECM) for Trade Peter Mumo, his counterparts for Devolution Japheth Mangoka, Infrastructure, Engineer Sabastian Kyoni, Gender, Nicolas Nzioka and Land, Urban Development and environment Dr. Sonia Nzilani among other county and national government officials.
By Patrick Nyakundi
