By Michael Foli Jackidy, GNA
Dzodze (V/R), May 01, GNA – Mr Eric Edem Agbana, the Member of Parliament (MP) for Ketu North; and Rev Martin Amenaki, the Municipal Chief Executive (MCE), have engaged residents of Dzodze, especially market women, chiefs and other stakeholders, on the proposed 24-hour economy market project for the municipality.
The engagement, held on Thursday at the Municipal Assembly with the support of the Presiding Member and officials of the Ketu North Municipal Assembly, formed part of consultations on the siting and implementation of the proposed market project under the government’s 24-hour economy initiative.
It followed the official signing of contracts by the Volta Regional Coordinating Council (VRCC) led by the Regional Minister with all 18 Municipal and District Assemblies (MDAs) in the Region for the commencement of the market projects.
Mr Agbana said the proposed market project was in fulfilment of a campaign promise by President John Dramani Mahama to construct modern markets across the country under the 24-hour economy policy, including one for Ketu North.
He said the government was committed to delivering on that promise and had made financial allocation for the execution of the project.
Mr Agbana explained that part of the District Assemblies Common Fund (DACF) had been earmarked for the construction of the market, indicating that funding for the project was readily available.
He said the market, when completed, would be expected to operate on a 24-hour basis and must therefore be strategically located within the heart of Dzodze, the municipal capital, to ensure accessibility, patronage and economic viability.
According to him, the facility must be positioned in a location that would serve the interest of traders and residents, so that it would not become underutilised.
“We do not want to site this important project in a location that will make access difficult and eventually turn it into a white elephant. That is why we are here to consult the people and allow them to help determine the most suitable location for the market,” he said.
Rev Amenaki said the consultative meeting had become necessary following the signing of the contract and the directive by the Volta Regional Minister for contractors to move to site within two weeks or risk termination of their contracts.
He said the Assembly considered it important to engage the intended beneficiaries of the project to brief them on its scope, operational model and secure consensus on a suitable site for its construction.
Rev Amenaki said the Assembly was committed to ensuring that the project was implemented in a manner that reflected the needs and aspirations of the people.
He noted that broad stakeholder participation in the planning stage was critical to the long-term success and sustainability of the market.
Participants, including traditional leaders, market women and Assembly members, were given the opportunity to make inputs and offer suggestions on the proposed project and its location.
The meeting also allowed stakeholders to raise concerns, ask questions and propose possible sites for consideration by the Assembly.
At the end of the engagement, participants expressed satisfaction with the consultative process and pledged support for the project.
The Assembly is expected to finalise consultations and hand over the agreed site to contractors for work to commence.
GNA
Edited by Maxwell Awumah/Benjamin Mensah