The county government of Kisii has been urged to expedite construction of Keumbu Market to accommodate hundreds of traders who have been struggling to do business amid intensive rains in the region.
Led by the market’s vice chairman Mr Henry Motangi, the traders said the process has taken unnecessarily longer than expected, with the work still in the preliminary stages.
They gave the county leadership a period of one week to address the stalemate or start boycotting remitting of taxes even after the counter governor condemned the threat.
“This market was opened over a year ago but we are still wondering why it’s taking unnecessarily long to be completed. It’s purely funded from our pockets and therefore the county government has a week to respond to our plea or we resolve to tax boycotting,” he said.
They said many of them were undergoing losses since intensive rains from the region were preventing them from making maximum sales.
“We initially thought they will complete the structure in time so that we can avoid these intensive rains or sunshine which hinders our businesses. Many of us are unable to make maximum sales because of the extreme rains. It’s therefore the fault of the county government because we have been doing our part as taxpayers,” he added.
They also urged governor James Ongwae to visit the market and inspect its progress as part of showing his commitment in completing the structure.
“He should come in person and witness our problems. I personally believe that the work can only be done if he comes to inspect the structure,” Motangi added.