By Agnetta Okwemba
The construction of Mwatunge modern market through the Economic Stimulus Programme (ESP) is set to be an economic game changer to locals in the area.
Taita Taveta County Commissioner Josephine Onunge, termed the project as an economic game changer in Mwatate sub-county and the whole county at large.
Speaking during a site visit accompanying Coast and North Eastern regional affordable housing director she said that the project has helped in securing the public land which was being taken away by grabbers.
The Kenya Kwanza’s agenda is not only to provide affordable housing but also construct modern markets that will serve as a catalyst for economic growth.
The Mwatunge ESP market aims to benefit 30,000 residents through the creation of 400 direct jobs and 3200 indirect jobs.
With every direct job, 8 indirect jobs are created
Affordable housing Coast and North Eastern regional director John Karanja said that the project will benefit locals in the area since money spent on the project will be injected into the local economy.
“This will be made possible through the use of local suppliers of the raw materials and even payment of laborers,” he said.
Karanja said that the site visits will continue to ensure delivery of projects is timely.
“We also want to ensure that the threshold of quality is met and those on the ground know what is expected of them,” he said during the Taita Taveta tour.
Having begun on 15th March, 2024 about 20-70 workers, skilled and unskilled, are benefitting in the construction process.
The modern market will entail a lactation room for nursing mothers during their line of work and also a playing area for their children.
An ICT hub is also featured within the market where tech duties can be done as part of Kenya Kwanza’s agenda on investing in ICT knowledge.
“I am grateful for this market project that has been brought closer to us,” said Constance Mwambi, a resident and laborer at Mwatunge’s modern market project.
The residents of Mwatunge had to travel more than 5km to Mwatate town where their market is currently located.
Once its completion, the market will be absolutely free for use by traders. Management will be handed over to the county government who will handle the shifting process from the Mwatate market.
Other amenities will include a cold room for the perishables, a dry room for the cereals, a SACCO office to offer financial services to traders and a modern ablution block.
Presence of modern stalls that are heavy on proper storage will offload the baggage of traders carrying their produce to and from the market.
The market will have 200 units once completed by the end of November, 2024.
