The market was scheduled for completion by July last year but has been delayed with over five deadlines missed. During this period, vendors were pushed to create new markets including roadside markets, which they say have worsened traffic and increased risk of accidents.
Vendors in Kitgum District sigh in relief as construction of the Kitgum Main Market is expected to be finished at the end of the month. The vendors have lamented make-shift markets that have compromised public hygiene and put them at risk of road accidents.
Vendors in Kitgum welcome new main market at end of month
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Agnes Angee, a resident of Westland Ward in Central Division complained that vendors have made a mess of the municipality especially those who sell fruits. That the new market would minimise the dirt along with accidents.
“Opening the new market with help minimize the dirt left by roadside vendors in the municipality. Besides, it will minimize risks of roadside accidents,” she said.
The Chairperson Kitgum Market Vendors Association, Concy Atim said that the new market will afford vendors the space they need to display their goods. It will also centralise goods for clients.
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It is expected to accomodate over 1,500 vendors.
The market is being constructed by Chinese State Construction Engineering Company Limited-CSCECL under the second phase of the Markets and Agriculture Trade Improvement Project (MATIP 2) which started in June 2019.
At the time of this report, acording to Alexis Alfred Abonga, the Superintendent of Works at Kitgum Municipal Council and the project support officer for MATIP II Kitgum Main Market, said the work is now at more than 96 percent.
That the contractor is doing the finishing including connecting power, compound leveling and paving of the compound. However, the work will continue even after the market is handed over depending on the quality during inspection before handover.
