Member of Parliament for the Odododiodoo constituency, Alfred Nii Kotey Ashie, has assured residents of the constituency, particularly traders, that the current government will continue and complete the stalled Salaga Market project.
He stated that the National Democratic Congress (NDC)’s original plan was to complete the project while it was in office to take traders off the streets.
However, when the New Patriotic Party (NPP) took over office, it failed to complete the project.
The original plan, he noted, was to construct several sheds for the traders. However, when the NPP took over office, it changed the plan and instead constructed large single stores and provided a limited number of sheds.
Speaking to Kwabena Agyapong on Frontline on Rainbow Radio 87.5FM, the lawmaker stated that they have done an assessment, engaged the professionals, and the project will continue.
The plan for the completion of the project, he explained, would include more sheds, numbering about 200, so more traders will have space to trade.
The old Salaga Market was demolished to pave the way for a new structure; however, the previous NPP government failed to complete the project as promised.
Traders have since been forced to operate along the streets of the old market.
Some churches have occupied portions of the ruins at the old site.
Drug peddlers are also using some parts of the site as a hideout.
But the MP has affirmed that, “we have engaged the professionals. We have received some drawings for the new phase of the project. The original plan was to construct more sheds so that more of the women selling on the streets will have spaces to sell. However, after the NPP took over, they abandoned the original plan and instead constructed large stores and less than 100 sheds. But we have engaged and redesigned the project, and we expect that we will have at least 200 sheds in the new market.
”So I will assure the residents and traders that the project will be completed. We are expecting to receive the new improved version of the market,” he added.
By: Rainbowradioonline.com/Ghana