Traders sift through the rubble at the Garissa market. (Photo/the-star.co.ke)
Government plans to rebuild Garissa open market that was razed down early this month after the election violence in the area.
The Director of Administration (DA) in charge of Urban and Metropolitan, Ministry of Infrastructure and Urban Development Mr Mabeya Mogaka said the government plans to spend Sh96 million to rebuild the market.
Mr Mogaka speaking in Garissa town expressed concern that property worth millions of shillings had been destroyed especially small-scale business people who suffered huge losses.
He assured previous stalls owners that they will not be displaced once the building is complete adding that the government will do everything in the least time possible to ensure business at the market resumes.
He said that officers from his department have completed an evaluation survey on the 1,450 stalls and other works on the facility destroyed by fire on August 10, this year.
The director however said that it may take a while before the actual works start due to lack of budgetary provision adding that the new model will cost Sh1.5 million and take at least three months to procure a contractor.
“The technical team has proposed the construction of a three storey- fire proof building with 1,500 stalls to replace the destroyed facility subject to approval by Garissa County Government.”
“The earliest we can start, if we have the funds, is within three months. But, even if it starts, the whole work cannot be done at once because of the huge financial implication. It has to be done in phases,” said Mr Mogaka.
Garissa County Commissioner (CC) James Kianda who was also present said that the Ministry of Devolution and Planning has donated 5,000 iron sheets and other building materials towards the rehabilitation works.
“The government has put up measures to ensure the fire victims have been provided with relief food,” said Mr Kinda.