THE AYAWASO Central Municipal Assembly (ACMA) is gearing up for a significant transformation of the Mallam Atta market, with redevelopment works expected to kick off by November or December this year.
To ensure a smooth transition, ACMA has been engaging with market traders and stakeholders through a series of meetings.
Hon. Rudolph Collinwoode-Williams, Municipal Chief Executive of ACMA, stressed the importance of preparing stakeholders ahead of the project, noting that traders will need to be temporarily relocated to facilitate construction. “We aren’t going to wait for the design and drawing before relocating them,” he said, highlighting the phased approach to minimize disruptions.
Market women and traders expressed mixed emotions about the impending changes. While they welcomed the long-overdue facelift, the market hasn’t seen major development since parts were built in 1993/94 – they voiced concerns about potentially losing their spaces to newcomers post-redevelopment.
“Some of us have lived in this market since we were babies,” one trader shared, reflecting fears based on past experiences in other areas.
Addressing these worries, Hon. Collinwood-Williams offered reassurance: “Everyone who has a shed in the market will get their shed back.”
ACMA plans to register traders with identification numbers to ensure they reclaim their spots after the upgrade. The planned 24-hour market aims to boost trade and transform the area.
The engagement also touched on environmental concerns. Traders were urged to maintain cleanliness, properly dispose of waste, and keep surroundings healthy.
ACMA’s broader vision includes decongesting streets to enhance the municipality’s appeal for residents and visitors alike.
This initiative marks a promising step towards revitalizing a key commercial hub, balancing progress with sensitivity to the traders who call Mallam Atta market home.
Source: Nationaltymes.com
