Siaya traders set to benefit from a Sh800m modern market project

Siaya Governor James Orengo. [Elvis Ogina, Standard]

Traders in Siaya County are set to benefit from a multi-million integrated modern market to be constructed in Siaya town.

Speaking during the handing over of the site on Tuesday, Governor James Orengo announced that the project is a partnership between the National Government and the County Government of Siaya.

He said it will be completed in eight months after the tendering process was completed in November last year.

According to Orengo, the project will be done in two phases and will include prefab stalls, market area segmentation, cold room facilities and primary processing facilities for value addition.

"The plan also aims to construct hotels, eateries, banking facilities and also lactation rooms for mothers," said Orengo.

The governor, who also announced that the project will also include supporting infrastructure such as sewer, high-mast flood lights and raised water tanks, said there will be car parks that will be charged to help raise Own Source Revenue.

Orengo assured the traders that they will have a conducive working environment to do their businesses once the project is completed.

The governor also handed over market sites for the construction of Economic Stimulus Programme (ESP) at Akala, Obambo, Riat Kolemo and Bar Ober.

According to the county boss, the projects will cost Sh50 million each and will be completed within six months.

The storey building markets will be constructed on half an acre spaces, with at least 200 traders expected to have cold storage facilities.

"The markets will also have water towers, three shades each, cabros, abolution block and market offices," said Orengo, adding that they will be fitted with Wi-fi.

He added that the objective of these markets is to act as a feeder for the market hub in Siaya.