Governor’s concern over delay in Sh268m market construction

By JOB WERU

Nyeri County: Nyeri Governor Nderitu Gachagua has expressed displeasure over delay in completion of a Sh268 million market construction in Karatina town.

Gachagua  said the project has been delayed for more than 14-months, noting that it has taken three years instead of the planned one year.

Speaking when he toured the project on Saturday, Gachagua said it was expected to be complete by July last year, but it is still far from finished. “This delay is causing traders who were moved to adjacent areas to incur losses, and we will not allow this. The county government is also losing revenue,” said Gachagua.

The Governor said the section of the market where construction is complete could be opened soon for business since the traders have been suffering in the temporary market.

He also directed all departments involved to hold a crisis meeting on Friday so as to forge a way forward.

“I have directed that a crisis meeting be held this Friday which will involve all ministries and other stakeholders with the aim of finding an amicable solution,” said Gachagua.

Gachagua was accompanied the county’s Chief of Staff, Mr Maina Mathenge.  “The county government’s revenue has come down by 40 per cent, since the market is one of the main sources of revenue,” he said.

The five-storey market building will be the largest open-air market in East and Central Africa.

Funds release

Speaking during the tour, Mr John Nduati, the managing director of Uchumi International Construction Company, which is contracted for the construction, defended the delay, saying the company has been facing hurdles in release of funds by the Government. Nduati said about Sh50 million is needed to complete the facility, adding that if released the market would be complete by December.

“Our appeal is that the funds be released, so that we can complete it by December,” said Nduati.