Plans to rebuild K’si Central Market begin
Preparations have begun towards the reconstruction of the Kumasi Central Market. Officials of Contracta, the Brazilian construction firm executing the project, have arrived in Kumasi.
Advertisement
President John Dramani Mahama is expected to cut the sod for the commencement of work on March 31, 2015.
The project, which is in three phases, is estimated at $298 million.
The first phase, which is expected to cost $198 million, involves, among other things, the geo-mapping of the Kejetia Lorry Terminal, assessment of the electrical and water facilities and the valuation of the land by officials of the Lands Department.
The Chief Executive of the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly (KMA), Mr Kojo Bonsu, told journalists in Kumasi yesterday that the first phase was expected to be executed between 24 and 30 months.
He said the project formed part of President Mahama’s broad-based development agenda to open up the city to the rest of the sub-region for business.
Registration
In the interim, the KMA has begun registering owners of shops and stalls to ensure that they are allocated same in the new market.
Meanwhile, market women, house owners and all who will be affected by the execution of the project will be temporarily relocated to the Adehyieman Gardens, the Royal Market and the Race Course to allow work to begin.
Transport services will be relocated to the Sofoline Interchange and the Abinkyi Lorry terminals.
Compensation
The KMA has held preliminary meetings with the market executives to agree on compensation packages and to let them know about the project and its essence.
Mr Bonsu told journalists that all those whose shops and properties would be affected would be adequately compensated while they await ‘their comeback’ when the new market is completed.
He, however, made it clear that those who were currently constructing illegal structures would not be compensated.
Second phase
The second phase of the project, which will take off immediately after the first phase, is expected to take 36 months to complete.
Officials of Contracta promised the people of Kumasi to deliver on their promise and pleaded with them to cooperate with the company for the successful execution of the project.
The Project Director of Contracta, Mr Jorge Tavares De Almeida, said project equipment was expected to arrive ahead of the commencement date.
Last November, Parliament approved a $298 million Brazilian loan to rebuild the market, which has suffered frequent fire outbreaks.