New city markets to create 22,800 working space

By Taddeo Bwambale

The Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) has finalized plans to construct seven new modern markets in the five city divisions.

Upon completion, the new markets are expected to create additional working space for 22,800 city traders.

KCCA spokesperson, Peter Kaujju said construction of the new markets would cost ($100m) sh250b.

Part of money has been secured to buy land for Bukoto, Kitintale and Ggaba markets, Kaujju said. Other markets are to be rebuilt in Busega, Kasubi, Ntinda and Nakulabye.

"Designs for Busega market in Rubaga Division have been completed and construction will commence in June 2014," Kaujju said.

Kaujju said funds for procurement of land for the other markets and their construction had not yet been secured. Most of the markets have been in dire state, with filthy working conditions.

Reconstruction of most city markets had long stalled due to management wrangles and funding challenges.

According to KCCA, the seven new markets will be built to similar standard as the sh22b Wandegeya Market that houses 1,200 traders.

The market was completed last year, occupied by the traders in January and has supporting facilities including banking halls, cold chains.

The construction of more city new markets is part of KCCA's plan to get rid of large numbers of vendors still operating on city streets.

It is also intended to reduce pressure in the existing facilities and congestion in the city, by increasing capacity of the markets to accommodate more traders.

According to KCCA, more city markets are to be rebuilt on a public-private-Partnership arrangement, where a private developer constructs a market and earns royalties from KCCA.

USAFI market along Entebbe Road was built on the same arrangement as well as an open market in Kisenyi that is nearing completion.