Imenti North Member of Parliament Rahim Dawood has assured Gakoromone traders that concerns surrounding their planned relocation will be addressed as construction of the Sh1 billion modern market continues, following an inspection tour of the site designated to temporarily accommodate them.
Speaking at the relocation site on Saturday, Dawood said he visited the area after receiving complaints from traders who questioned whether the space identified by the municipality would be sufficient to accommodate everyone affected by the ongoing works.
He said discussions are ongoing with project supervisors and that further consultations will be conducted with municipal officials to find solutions to the issues raised.
“We have identified a few issues that need attention. On Monday, I will meet the Municipal Manager because traders feel the space set aside for them may not be enough,” said Dawood.
The legislator said traders have also raised concerns about raw sewerage leaking near the site, arguing that the environment was unsuitable for the sale of food products.
He acknowledged the complaints, saying the concerns are justified and require urgent attention before traders are fully relocated.
In addition, Dawood said residents had raised concerns over the installation of a single culvert at the site, arguing that two culverts were needed.
He said he has already engaged the contractor on the matter and would discuss both the drainage and sewerage issues with municipal officials during a meeting scheduled for Monday.
Dawood further appealed to Water, Sanitation and Irrigation Cabinet Secretary Erick Mugaa to expedite the procurement process for the Rwanyange sewerage project, saying its implementation will pave the way for the expansion of the new market.
“We are appealing to CS Erick Mugaa to fast-track the appointment of a contractor so the sewerage can be relocated to Rwanyange. Once that is done, the land will be cleaned up and used to expand the market,” said Dawood.
Dawood noted that relocating the sewerage from Meru Town to Rwanyange will free up land required for the completion of the market project, creating more space for traders and improving the overall trading environment.
Moreover, Dawood said he had spent part of the day meeting residents from different parts of the constituency to gather their views on development priorities.
He noted that many of those he consulted urged him to continue working closely with the national government to attract more development projects to the area.
“I have met residents from different parts of the constituency, and they have asked me to continue working with the government so that we can bring more development projects to the area,” said Rahim.
He maintained that the upcoming Gakoromone market project is evidence of what could be achieved through such collaboration, pledging to continue supporting initiatives aimed at improving the livelihoods of residents.
Nonetheless, Dawood said the constituency is awaiting funding for the proposed dual carriageway promised by President William Ruto, with roads such as the Kambakia route expected to benefit.
He also defended plans for an airstrip, state lodge and golf course, saying the projects are aimed at bringing development and creating opportunities for residents.
“The airstrip is not just for the rich. It will improve access to emergency medical services and make it easier for farmers to transport crops such as Miraa to the market,” said Dawood.
He urged residents to embrace the proposed projects, saying developments such as the state lodge would create jobs for local youth and generate business opportunities through tenders and the supply of goods and services.
Edited by John Majau
