National Government Affirmative Action Fund (NGAAF) has set aside Sh4.7 million to fund construction of a market at Ng’araria trading centre in Kandara Sub County of Murang’a County.
The project which was commissioned is expected to be completed in a period of three months, so as to allow local traders have a conducive place to carry out their businesses.
Speaking during the groundbreaking of the market, Murang’a County Woman Representative Sabina Chege observed that the construction will involve installing a shade and drainage system to ensure the traders operate in a clean place.
The new market, Chege noted, will accommodate more than 200 traders who in the past were affected by rains among other challenges.
“Our traders have been operating in open areas thus being affected by rains, direct sunlight and dust. The facility will be a big boost to local traders,” she added.
The Woman Representative lauded the project saying it will not only be beneficial to traders but also local farmers who will have the opportunity to sell their produce.
“Farmers will be able to sell their produce to traders. This will boost the local economy. We urge the contractor to hasten the works,” she stated.
Chege said NGAAF gets Sh7 million for each constituency noting that the people of Kandara prioritised the need to have a market.
“The allocation given for NGAAF is not much but we have tried to support various groups in each constituency. I appeal to the National Government to support construction of more markets in Murang’a so as to boost the local economy,” Chege further stated.
A local trader Jane Wairimu appreciated the market saying in the past they were exposed to harsh climatic conditions thus limiting their operation hours.
“The new market will give us the opportunity to operate all the time and also at night. This will be a boost of livelihoods to all dependents of this market,” asserted Wairimu.
Currently the National Government is constructing a modern market at Kangari trading centre in Kigumo.
The 6-storey market, which will have cold-rooms is expected to benefit more than 600 traders and boost horticultural farming in the area.
By Bernard Munyao
