The Minister for Local Government and Rural Development, Alhaji Collins Dauda has charged contractors working on government sponsored markets to consciously build to suit the needs of traders in the localities.
There was no point, he noted, for constructing a market without taking into consideration special and peculiar needs of those who will be occupying them after completion.
Addressing media men after touring the Atonsu- Agogo, Asawasi and Tafo markets which are almost complete but lacked some crucial facilities like, clinics, security and fire posts as well as crèches for the upkeep of kids by market women, Alhaji Dauda insisted contractors should seek the opinion of market leaders before commencing business.
He, however, commended the contractors for doing a good job and working to meet timelines.
INTERVENTION:
Touched by the pleas of some aggrieved traders at Tafo who nearly demonstrated at his arrival, the Local Government Minister tasked the contractor to go back and work with the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly (KMA) to fashion out plans to build more stalls to accommodate the huge numbers that had not been allocated same.
He asked that the numbers of traders who were unable to secure stalls and sheds be taken and thereafter worked on to ensure they secured same after the project.
Alhaji Dauda asked the market to be closed until all interested parties had been allocated stalls and sheds.
He indicated the Ministry’s decision to halt the commissioning of the market until the contractor had worked to ensure all interested persons had been allocated some of the stalls.
KMA:
Speaking to the Media at the site, Mr John Alexander Ackon, Ashanti Regional Minister and acting Metro Chief Executive for Kumasi assured traders that government was committed to ensuring their welfare.
He stressed the government’s resolve to build more markets across the region so as to ensure residents had decent place to either shop or trade.
According to him, the construction of the Asawase, Atonsu-Agogo and Tafo markets were indication by government to fulfill its social and economic contract with the people of the Region.
Mr Ackon urged the traders to also fulfill their part by ensuring they keep the facilities clean at all times as they also maintain slight defects that may occur in the future.
