By Jones Anlimah
The construction of the 24-hour market project at Jasikan in the Oti Region is approximately 35 to 37 per cent complete, with the Municipal Assembly optimistic that work on the lower structure will be completed by the end of the year.
The project, being undertaken at the old Jasikan market site, is expected to expand trading opportunities, strengthen the local economy and provide improved facilities for traders and their customers.
The Jasikan Municipal Chief Executive, Hon. Parke-Davis Magyigbe, said the project was progressing steadily, with the Assembly having already commenced the construction of lockable stores.
He explained that Jasikan was selected for the project because of its status as the municipal capital and its growing commercial potential.
“Jasikan is a municipal capital, and business here is growing. Developing the local economy here is better than in the two other areas,” he said.
Mr Magyigbe indicated that the contractor had been given 36 months to complete the project, expressing hope that the lower structure would be completed by the end of the year to pave the way for work on the upper structure.
The Assembly, he added, was building on the existing market infrastructure to provide a modern facility that would better serve the needs of traders and the wider community.
While commending government, traders at the existing market called for equity in allocation stores upon completion of the facility.
Existing traders to benefit from store allocation
The Member of Parliament for Buem, Kofi Adams, has assured traders that those operating at the existing market would be given the opportunity to secure spaces in the new facility when it is completed.
He said the new market would provide more than 100 selling spaces, compared with fewer than 40 in the existing market, creating room for current traders and additional businesses.
“Those who are already in there will not lose. We have enough space to take those who were originally there and even bring more to make the market work bigger,” Mr Adams assured.
He said the expanded facility would introduce additional amenities to support trading activities and improve conditions for both traders and customers.
According to him, the market has been designed to support round-the-clock commercial activity, subject to traders’ willingness to operate beyond the traditional market hours.
Mr Adams explained that the provision of a police station would enhance security, while a clinic would improve access to basic healthcare. A nursery facility would also help traders who bring their young children to work.
He said the facilities were intended to make the market more convenient, secure and attractive for traders and their customers.
Project expected to boost local economic activity
Mr Adams expressed satisfaction with the pace of construction, describing the project as one of the fastest-progressing 24-hour market projects in the region.
He expressed confidence that the facility could be completed within the coming year, while reiterating the government’s commitment to ensuring that the project benefits the intended communities.
The Jasikan market is one of three major market centres serving the municipality, alongside the Kute and New Ayoma markets.
When completed, the new facility is expected to provide additional trading spaces, improve the organisation of commercial activities and create opportunities for more businesses to operate within the municipality.
The project forms part of broader efforts to improve market infrastructure and stimulate local economic development, with traders looking forward to a modern facility that will accommodate existing businesses while opening up opportunities for new entrants.
