By: Ismael Kasooha
KAMPALA
The Busega Market Contractor has been put on notice to rectify structural defects within two months.
Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja issued the directive at the New Busega Market in Rubaga Division, where she had gone to inspect and assess the level of preparedness ahead of the official opening.
The Prime Minister’s visit followed complaints about structural defects that have caused delays in the official opening of the multibillion market facility.
She was taken on a guided tour around the market facility, and particularly to those areas which had issues to sort out. It was reported that the top floor of the complex, designed as parking space, floods whenever it rains.
“We shall not commission this market unless all the defects have been rectified so that we serve our people well,” said Nabbanja.
To be fully operational, this market facility needs parking space on the ground to accommodate heavy trucks that cannot park at the roof top.
Nabbanja directed KCCA to ensure that all illegal structures surrounding the market and built in the road reserve are demolished within two months.
“We need to clear this place so that the market can serve its intended purposes,” said Nabbanja.
The list of over 1,000 vendors earlier identified as beneficiaries, was rejected by the Prime Minister. She called for fair and equitable allocation of the market stalls to benefit the original and eligible vendors on a one-man one-stall basis.
The Mayor of Rubaga Division Zacchy Mberaze Mawula, hailed the government for the efforts being taken to improve trade order in Kampala City.
He particularly appreciated the Premier for her timely intervention that should facilitate faster opening of the market.
This market was supposed to be opened in 2021 but this has not been possible due to defects identified.
The NRM Chairman Rubaga Division Abdallah Kitata, noted that there was a need to urgently clear all roads leading to the market to enable efficient service delivery.
Busega market in Rubaga Division, is one of the markets that were constructed under the Urban Markets and Marketing Development of Agricultural Products, with funding from Government of Uganda and Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa (BADEA).
Busega is one of the nine markets the Ministry of Local Government earmarked nine years ago for development.
Other markets, some of which have already been completed include Wandegeya, Nyendo Market (Masaka District), Mpanga in Fort Portal, Hoima Central market in Hoima Town, Lira Market, Gulu Central Market and Jinja Central Market, among others.
ENDS
