Sh25m market in Ndhiwa promises relief for traders

The National Government Affirmative Action Fund is constructing a Sh25 million market at Ratanga in Kwabwai ward to boost trade in Ndhiwa.

The market whose construction will take six months, will ease doing business for traders who have often complained of a poor working environment.

Traders Risper Onyango and Evans Oyiers said many of them suffer during the rainy and sunny season as they do not have sheds.

“We’re happy the construction will enable us to have a modern market to protect traders from weather elements,” Onyango said.

Speaking during the ground breaking ceremony of the market, Homa Bay Woman Representative Joyce Osogo expressed confidence that construction will enhance sanitation among traders.

The construction is being undertaken by Mango Tree Marine Limited company.

“Construction of a modern market is a way of empowering women and youth traders. The facility will enhance revenue collection and working environment,” Osogo said.

In the design, the market will have at least 300 stalls with sections where traders can store their merchandise overnight.

It will also have piped water with a reservoir.

To enhance security and promote trade into the night, the market will have lights which traders have lacked in the current market.

An office and ablution block will also be constructed to promote personal hygiene.

Osogo said the market is the second that her office is constructing since being elected to office in 2022.

“NGAAF has undertaken construction of a modern market in Ramba in Kabondo Kasipul constituency. We want to provide a conducive environment for business to thrive in Homa Bay,” she said.

The lawmaker said the markets are constructed after public participation.

She said an open tender was made public for companies to bid. 

Osogo instructed the company to ensure they do a good job and asked the county public works department to supervise the work to ensure the building stands strong.

“My technical team was involved in the process. Due diligence is followed to the letter,” Osogo said.

Mango Tree Marine Limited project manager Bernard Siro and Homa Bay public works officer Robert Kongere said they will ensure the work is done within the specified timelines.

Siro said the company will source for local labour to boost circulation of money within Ratanga and neighbouring areas.

“We want to leave our footprints here and will deliver a high quality project,” he said.

Siro said much of the project is steel work.

He said his company condensed the timelines for completion of the project from the original 10 months to reduce cost of construction. 

“If a project takes longer, it drains the company. It is possible for us to deliver the project in record time,” Siro said.

Kongere said the county government will ensure there is value for money in the project.

 "The company should ensure quality work and deliver the project within the timelines," he said.