The completion of an ultra-modern bus park and market in Bondeni’s neighbourhood is expected to not only transform the area but also improve the economic status of its residents.
The ultra-modern facility that is designed to accommodate over 300 vehicles is a major step towards improving urban transport and decongesting the city centre.
The project, jointly funded by the National Government and the Nakuru County Government is expected to cost close to 270 million upon completion.
The project incorporates key infrastructure such as modern sanitation facilities, an elevated water tower and a powerhouse equipped with a transformer to ensure efficient operations.
The construction of the new multimillion bus park is in its final stages and is expected to be opened soon for use by the public.
A team from the State Department for Housing and Urban Development led by Engineer Benjamin Njenga on Friday visited the project to assess the progress.
The team was accompanied by Nakuru CECM for Land, Physical Planning, Housing and Urban Development John Kihagi and City Manager Gitau Thabanja. The team expressed confidence that the project would be completed as scheduled.
Once completed, the bus park is expected to enhance public transport efficiency, reduce traffic congestion and create a more organised transport system for residents and commuters.
The facility will also improve accessibility and boost economic activities in the city.
The park also incorporates trading spaces, shades, street lighting and waste collection points, among other basic amenities, to ensure security and comfort for the bus-park users.
The team later proceeded to assess the progress of the ongoing construction of the ultra-modern market that is located a stone’s throw away from the bus park.
The five-storey complex is expected to host hundreds of traders and will complement Nakuru’s Top Market and Wakulima markets, which are located within the Central Business District.
City Manager Gitau Thabanja said the market will also be fitted with facilities to cater to textiles, cereals and jua kali sheds and will serve thousands of Nakuru residents from surrounding areas.
The multimillion market, which will be the largest in the County, will also serve as a wholesale market for farm products which are produced in neighbouring sub-counties as well as other surrounding counties.
The market is located at what was previously the Old Fire Station, which was decommissioned and relocated to the Central Business District, where modern firefighting facilities were put up.
Mr. Thabanja stated that completion of the market is set to provide a favourable environment and alleviate the problem of lack of selling space for over 3,000 traders.
By Jane Ngugi
