An aerial view of the market redevelopment project
A CROSS section of residents in the Sekondi-Takoradi Metropolis have described the progress of work on the redevelopment of the Takoradi Central Market as impressive.
The entire reconstruction project of the over 100-year-old market, popularly called ‘Market Circle’, is about 56 per cent complete.
The redevelopment project is in fulfilment of a promise President Akufo-Addo made to the people of Takoradi. It is expected to be completed in July 2023.
The about €48 million project is being undertaken by an Italian contractor, Messrs Contracta Costruzioni Italia SLR.
Most of the residents and traders who spoke to DAILY GUIDE in separate interviews said they did not believe the president’s promise could be fulfilled.
“We thought it was just a mere promise but now we have all seen the project progressing steadily,” the residents pointed out.
Meanwhile, the Director of the Takoradi Sub- Metro of the Sekondi-Takoradi Metropolitan Assembly, Nana Asempaneye Yeboah, has explained that the project comprised many components.
He said the foundation is 100 per cent complete while steel works which constitute 18 per cent is also 13.97 per cent complete.
According to him, the earthworks which constitute about 6 per cent of the entire project is 5.577 per cent complete.
The roofing, which also constitutes 7 per cent of the entire project is also about 4.20 per cent complete.
He mentioned that officials from his outfit had been visiting the project site regularly to update themselves on the redevelopment project, adding “I can assure you the project will be completed on schedule.”
On how the sheds in the new market will be distributed after completion, he assured that it will be done without chaos.
He noted that whoever had a space in the old market before the new project began will be issued with green cards after a validation exercise.
“This green card automatically qualifies a trader to secure a space when the market is complete. Those who were occupying the sheds of other traders will be issued yellow cards.
“This category of traders will only be served with sheds after all those with green cards have been served,” he explained.
He added that hawkers will be issued with red cards, and will be given space after all those with green and yellow cards have been served.
FROM Emmanuel Opoku, Takoradi