Foodstuff traders who operate at the Madaraka market in Thika town can breathe a sigh of relief after the Kiambu County Government announced plans to reopen it on Wednesday.
The market had been closed for a week for failing to comply with the government’s directive on measures to combat the spread of corona virus of social distancing and hygiene causing uproar among traders.
Traders complained that the market was their only source of income and shutting it condemned them and their families to suffering.
The Trade County Executive Committee Member, Irene Wairimu said they were satisfied with the measures that the market had put in place to prevent the spread of the virus.
She said hand washing units have been placed at various spots within the market and traders have promised to observe social distancing.
Speaking during a monitoring exercise at the market on Monday, Wairimu said since the closure of the market, a clean-up and fumigation exercise has been conducted and it was safe for traders to reopen.
She said other markets that had been closed would be reopened once it has been established that they have fully complied with government regulations.
She added that only traders in food stuffs would be allowed in the market locking out clothes hawkers most of whom come from Nairobi County.
“The exercise wasn’t meant to punish traders but to keep corona virus off our County,” she said.
The MCAs, Raphael Chege and Jane Waithera called on water provider, Thika Water and Sanitation Company (THIWASCO) to ensure constant water supply in the market.
By Muoki Charles
