40-Year-Old Chuka Market Demolished To Pave Way For 300 million Modern Market Construction
Chuka market demolition
By Mwenda Njeru
Tharaka Nithi Governor Muthomi Njuki has led the county in the demolition of the 40 year old Chuka Market to pave way for the construction of an ultra-modern market worth KSh300 million.
The construction, under the Ministry of Lands, Public Works, Housing and Urban Development is set to occupy a total of 6000 square meters where among the market provisions include 254 open stalls, 113 shops and six food courts.
In addition, the market will also have 2 cold rooms, a crèche, meeting room, ICT hub, and a sacco office.
The 3 storey modern building is set to be equipped with 4 offloading bays, a revenue office, 1 power house, and will provide space for a first aid/health room.
In his tour of the county on 25 July 2024, President William Ruto announced the government’s plan to construct 5 new modern markets in Tharaka Nithi with KShs 450 million already allocated.
In his speech, the President announced an allocation of KSh300 million and KSh170 million towards the construction of Chuka and Chogoria markets, respectively.
“I proposed to the President to have an ultra-modern market at Chuka just like other major towns in the country and he gave us three major markets that include Chogoria and Marimanti, where he gave a commitment that they would be constructed within the shortest time possible funded through the housing levy”, Njuki said.
During the demolition at Marigiti, Governor Njuki noted that the County Government was in collaboration with the National Government to relocate current occupants and pave way for the construction of the 3 storey modern market by the Ministry of Public Works.
“In about two week’s time, groundbreaking is set to commence, and construction is scheduled to take place within a year. We have talked with the contractor and agreed that construction workers will be locally outsourced from within the county where we hope over 200 persons will be employed daily, “he said.
The Governor asked leaders opposed to the construction of markets in the county to unite, and agree to pave way for development of the critical infrastructure, where he singled out Marimanti Market, whose construction has been subject to local politics.
“Leaders who are opposed to the construction of Marimanti Market should agree and speak in one language. Don’t waste time playing politics with the market. It has users, and it will be constructed. We must provide a conducive environment for everyone since the market attracts users from all over the county, “he said.
To boost the economic growth of traders in the county, Governor Njuki, through the County Government has given a commitment to enhance working conditions and transform trading experiences.
The President is scheduled to officially open the markets after their construction.
“I want to thank President William Ruto on behalf of the people of Tharaka Nithi for including us through the Bottom Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA) in the construction of modern markets in the county”, Njuki said.
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