Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) for New Juaben South, Ransford Owusu Boakye, says his team has embarked on a comprehensive inspection tour of major markets in Koforidua to identify and address concerns raised by traders.
According to him, the tour covered the Koforidua Central Market, Agatha Market, Adweso Market, and the Beads Market at Jubilee Park, where traders shared various challenges affecting their daily activities.
He highlighted several critical challenges affecting major markets in Koforidua and assured traders that immediate interventions will be carried out
“My team and I took it upon ourselves to visit all the major markets in Koforidua. We started from the Koforidua Central Market, then moved to the Agatha Market, proceeded to the Adweso Market, and finally ended at the Beads Market at Jubilee Park,” he explained.
One of the major issues observed during the walk from the Central Market toward the Central Police Station was a defect in the shade structure constructed for traders. He revealed that the structure, designed with a small opening for ventilation, has begun allowing rainwater to seep through.
“One of the key issues we observed was related to the shade structure we constructed to protect traders from the sun. We intentionally left a small opening to allow ventilation, but that same opening is now allowing rainwater to pass through whenever it rains. So, they told us to help fix them,” he said.
The MCE added that traders also complained about poor lighting systems which cause dark market, a situation he pledged to resolve soon.
“Secondly, they complained about darkness at the place, and I promised them that it won’t take long. Maybe by the end of the month or the first week of February, I will let my electricians go and assess it, and then we will go and lighten up the market,” he assured.
Aside from these, drainage issues emerged as another major concern. Mr. Owusu Boakye disclosed that some of the challenges stem from how some traders cover drains with cement, which leads to blockages whenever it rains.
“Apart from that, we also observed that they have issues with the drainage system in the market. Some of these drainage problems are caused by the women themselves because of the cement they use to cover the drains, so when it rains, they get choked,” he noted.
He emphasized that the assembly is ready to deconstruct and redesign sections of the drains where necessary to ensure proper water flow and urged traders to cooperate.
“We therefore assured them that wherever we need to deconstruct the drains to allow the free flow of water, we will do so. So please, when we are doing it, they should also understand that it’s for their own good,” he added.
The MCE reaffirmed his commitment to improving market infrastructure and ensuring a safer, more convenient trading environment for all.
Source:Mybrytfmonline.com/Tamara Owusu Ansah
