Kwabre East MCE defends 24-Hour market project amid old market concerns

The Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) for Kwabre East, Joseph Amankwa-Nurudeen, has moved to dispel concerns regarding the commencement of the new 24-Hour Economy Model Market in Mamponteng, clarifying that the funding for the new project is entirely separate from the long-stalled market project initiated in 2012.

Speaking at a media engagement following the sod-cutting ceremony, Amankwa-Nurudeen addressed public scepticism about why resources were being directed towards a new facility while an older one remains abandoned.

The MCE explained that the two projects are distinct entities governed by different contractual agreements, consultants, and funding sources. He noted that the old project has significant outstanding debts owed to the original contractor, estimated at roughly GHS 62 million, whereas the new 24-hour project has a different budget of approximately GHS 34.6 million.

"If you want to use the money for this new contract to defray the debt on the old one, it simply won't suffice. They are separate projects with separate financial arrangements. People need to understand that the funds for this new model market cannot be diverted to cover the liabilities of the old project."

Amankwa-Nurudeen further clarified that the new market is intended to serve as an "auxiliary" facility rather than a replacement. While the old market will eventually focus on perishables, the new 24-hour facility is being designed with the flexibility to serve as a "light industrial area."

"This new market is designed to support the big one by the roadside. Instead of travelling all the way to Suame Magazine to buy spare parts, traders and residents can access them right here in Mamponteng. This market will accommodate the overflow of traders who cannot be housed in the old facility."

Despite the focus on the new project, the MCE assured the market women and the chiefs of Mamponteng that the government remains committed to finishing the 14-year-old stalled project. He revealed that ongoing high-level discussions involving the Ministry of Local Government, the Regional Minister, and the Vice President were far advanced in securing the necessary funding to complete the abandoned structure.

"I want to assure the market women that they should have confidence in the government. We are committed to completing that project," he emphasised.

To prevent a repeat of the past, the MCE announced a stringent monitoring strategy for the new 24-hour market. He stated that the project will be subject to four different levels of oversight, including the Regional Monitoring Team, the Municipal Assembly’s internal team, the Ministry of Local Government, and Central Government surveillance.

"We have four different sources monitoring this one project. Who watches the watchman? Everyone is watching everyone else. The contractor cannot relax or sit down and do as he pleases. We are going to ensure that every specification in the contract document is strictly implemented. This is not going to be a 'one-day wonder'," the MCE assured.

Despite his partial conviction regarding the new project, the Chief of Mamponteng, Nana Saasi Ayeboafo II, reiterated his strong plea for immediate attention to the old, uncompleted market. He highlighted the dangerous conditions faced by traders who are currently operating under high-tension electricity poles due to the lack of proper market space.

The Chief issued a stern warning, stating that he would be profoundly disappointed if the focus remained solely on the 24-hour economy market project, neglecting the existing structure that has been left to rot.

"I hope the needful will be done, lest my market continues to be exposed to danger," Nana Ayeboafo II firmly stated, underscoring the urgency of the situation for the safety and welfare of his people.

Lastly, the consultant responsible for all the 24-hour markets in the Ashanti Region and, for that matter, that of Kwabre East, Eco-Planners and Engineering Construction, handed over all the necessary documentation to Sunkwa Senior Ventures Limited for the commencement of the project.

Eng Daniel Mensah, Head of Eco-Planners and Engineering, further explained that the multifaceted project will include a Women’s Bank facility, 250 shops, a police post, a fire post, a restaurant, a day-care centre, a pharmacy, a clinic, among other facilities, adding that they will ensure the project is completed on time as planned.