By 
In its quest to create more trading spaces within Lusaka, the government has commissioned the construction of Munyaule Market at a cost of US$8 million.
The ultra-modern trading facility would accommodate over 900 traders upon completion, according to Local Government and Rural Development Minister Garry Nkombo.
Speaking during the ground-breaking ceremony in Lusaka on Thursday, Nkombo stated that the modern market would be developed through a lease with Kaddoura Construction Limited and Lusaka City Council.
The Minister stated that, once completed, the new market will significantly enhance the quality of life for traders and communities at large.
Nkombo expressed happiness that, by providing a modern and well-organised market, the government is not only enhancing economic opportunities but also ensuring better health and safety standards for everyone involved.
“This is critical if we are to avoid future outbreaks of diseases such as cholera and permanently eliminate the threat of Munyaule market being the epicentre of diseases,” he stated.
Nkombo emphasised that it was necessary for the government, through the Lusaka City Council, to move the traders to temporary trading areas.
He commended the Council for taking critical steps to accommodate the affected traders in the temporary trading areas behind the BH Market and the new Soweto Market.
“The traders would conduct business in those two markets as they awaited the development of the modern market at Munyaule,” Nkombo stated.
Lusaka Mayor, Chilando Chitangala, stated that the construction of the ultra-modern market symbolised hope, particularly for women and the youth, who make up the bulk of traders in Lusaka.
The contractor, Kaddoura Construction Limited Chairperson, Hazem Kaddoura, assured the people of Zambia that his company would expedite the construction works to provide a decent trading area for the traders.
Munyaule Market started as a temporary trading area for traders who had been displaced from the gutted City Market in July 2017.
About 220 traders were allocated trading spaces by the Lusaka City Council with the understanding that they would be relocated to the City Centre market upon its rehabilitation.
When the City Centre market was completed and traders from Munyaule Market were relocated, some opted to remain, resulting in the number of traders at the market increasing to over 900 by 2024.
WARNING! All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express permission from ZAMBIA MONITOR.
Comments