Market
Embu Governor Cecily Mbarire has called for an end to incessant politics and wrangles surrounding construction of the proposed Sh. 700 million Embu Ultra-Modern Market by the National Government.
Controversy has rocked the market as different factions differ over ownership of the project with area (Manyatta) MP Gitonga Mukunji on one hand claiming credit by virtue of the project being domiciled in the constituency. Recently, the MP visited the site to oversee groundbreaking just days after county officials led by Lands CEC Raymond Kinyua and his Trade Counterpart Francis Ndwiga did the site handover to the contractor.
However, Governor Mbarire said the project was a joint venture between the National Government that availed resources and the devolved unit that provided the land. “There should be no problem with me doing the design work for the market and asking the President to fund it,” she said, noting the two tiers of government are working for the same people.
She said the land upon which the market is being constructed belongs to the county, adding they also used their resources to relocate over 2, 000 traders in the market to pave way for the construction. Ms. Mbarire said there should be no contest with regard to who lobbied for the market construction, saying all leaders should work together to ensure residents benefit from the project.
Speaking during a tour of the market on Tuesday, Governor Mbarire assured traders that the logistical challenges that had occasioned the project to stall for one year had been addressed and work will continue smoothly.
She told residents that depending on the availability of funds, the market will be completed within a duration of one year and assured traders relocated from the site will be given first priority during allocation of spaces.
On his part, Kirimari Ward MCA Ibrahim Swaleh called on the jobless youths from the area to be given job opportunities first especially for the unskilled labor.