State, county in Sh336m project to upgrade Oyugis Market

Governor Cyprian Awiti (right) and contractor Nicholas Okello at Oyugis Market. The market is set to be upgraded at a cost of Sh336 million. (PHOTO: JAMES OMORO/ STANDARD)

Traders in Oyugis town are set to enjoy better services after a local market is upgraded.

The Sh336 million project, a joint venture between the county and the national government, will see Oyugis Market expanded and equipped with modern facilities.

Trade and Industrialisation Chief Officer Evance Abeka said the new market will be ready in about 18 months.

"We will start by constructing a bus park before the contractor moves in to refurbish the market, which will have toilets and bathrooms to enhance sanitation in the area," said Abeka.

He called on locals not to politicise the project so that the facility is ready on time to boost the local economy.

Governor Cyprian Awiti, who handed over the project to Ibel Construction Company, said the project is meant to offer the traders a conducive environment to do business.

The governor noted business is the main source of livelihood in the area and promised to ensure more modern markets are constructed and existing ones upgraded.

 business community

"We are working with the business community to ensure no one is disadvantaged or displaced as we modernise the market," said Awiti yesterday.

He added: "I don't want anyone to worry about losing their stalls, that will not happen. For now, we will expect everyone to move out to enable construction works to begin. However, we will ensure everyone gets back their stalls after the construction."

"I appeal to everybody to focus their attention to development. We have been in opposition for a long time and you are not likely to have this kind of a project again if you let it go."