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| Barwaqo fresh market New fresh produce markets to ease congestion in main markets.PHOTO BY GEORGE NJUNGE |
Thirteen new fresh produce markets have been constructed across the county at a cost of Sh78 million.
The markets have been set up in Wajir town and in the six sub-county headquarters to ensure residents have enough space to transact their business. The facilities cost the county an average of Sh6 million each.
modern stall
"We have constructed these facilities to provide a proper business environment for the traders," said Governor Ahmed Abdullahi in a statement to newsrooms.
He added: "Most of the traders have been operating in the open, under trees or even on the roadside, which is not the best environment for their businesses. We had to construct modern stalls and markets for them."
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Speaking separately when he opened a fresh produce market in Eldas sub-county, Deputy Governor Abihafid Yarrow said the new markets are also expected to help increase revenue collection for the county government.
Statistics from the revenue collection department indicate that it collected Sh11 million in the 2013-2014 financial year against the Sh3 million the Wajir County Council used to collect.
"We have rented out the stalls and spaces in the markets at very affordable rates to support new businesses," Abdihafid said.
Traders in the area welcomed the initiative, but called for measures to ensure they don't fall into disrepair.
"These markets have improved the business environment and we would like to urge the county government help us maintain them. We especially want the town administration to pay keen attention to waste management in these new markets," Halima Hussein, a trader at Barwaqo market said.
grabbed land
The county government also plans to renovate some of the existing markets as well re-possess grabbed public land to improve other social amenities.
Mr Abdullahi administration has also refurbished the livestock market in Wajir town and also plans to establish a modern one. County Trade Executive Habiba Hussein said the markets are part of the county's integrated development plan.
