By Miriam Oparebea, GNA
Tema, April 01, GNA — Traders at the Tema Community Two market have called on the Tema West Municipal Assembly (TWMA) to provide further clarity on the planned reconstruction of the market facility.
The traders made the call during a stakeholder meeting organised by the Assembly to discuss the implementation of the “24-Hour Economy Market” project.
The meeting brought together key stakeholders, including Mr James Enu, the Member of Parliament (MP) for the area; Mr Ludwig Teye Totimeh, the Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) for Tema West; Ms Mary Ennoo, the assemblywoman; Mr Ben Debrah, engineer and project consultant; and some unit committee members.
Following presentations by the authorities on the vision of the modernised market, the traders enquired about the specific engineering plans for the site and the full scope of the project.
They also raised concerns about the execution timeline and how the project would affect their daily business activities during the construction phase.
Mr Samuel Asare, a dealer in second-hand clothing, enquired whether the new market sheds would be allocated to traders free of charge upon completion.
Responding to the question, Ms Ennoo, the assemblywoman, explained that although it was a government project designed to benefit the traders, it would not be entirely free.
She noted that the levies collected from the traders would be used for the maintenance and management of the facility.
Ms Agnes Teiko Nemo-Tei, a trader, raised concerns about the fate of traders who currently operate from lockable shops rather than open sheds.
“We already have shops where we do our business, and we cannot move to sheds. So, what is the arrangement for us?,” she asked.
In response, the MP and the MCE assured the traders that their concerns would be factored into the planning process, while the assemblywoman stated that some traders might have to make temporary sacrifices to ensure the success of the project.
Mrs Georgina Kusi, a yam and vegetable seller, welcomed the initiative, stating that her customers often described the current state of the market as a death trap.
She commended the authorities for selecting the Tema Community Two market for the 24-hour economy upgrade but appealed for ample time to relocate.
“We are pleading with the authorities to give us enough notice to make preparations so that we can relocate peacefully,” Mrs Kusi stated.
Briefing the stakeholders on the design, Mr Debrah, project consultant, explained that the
The “24-Hour Economy Market” concept aims to create a secure, round-the-clock commercial hub.
According to the authorities, the market when reconstructed would feature modern auxiliary facilities, including a daycare centre for the children of traders, a police post to ensure security, and a clinic for first aid and emergency medical care.
GNA
Edited by Laudia Anyorkor Nunoo/Linda Asante Agyei