By Vincent Khonje
Mchinji, March 24, Mana: Mchinji District Council has officially handed over the newly constructed Waliranji market shed to the community.
The structure, built under the Governance to Enable Service Delivery (GESD) project, cost K83 million and is expected to provide a more conducive trading space for vendors who previously conducted their business in unfavourable conditions.
Speaking on Monday at the handover ceremony, Mchinji District Commissioner Lucia Chidalengwa expressed satisfaction with the project.
“We are happy that we are handing over this market shed to the people. This is a structure that has come through the GESD project, and the purpose is for people to start using it. This is exactly what the people wanted the government to do for them, and we are glad that it has been completed,” said Chidalengwa.
Councillor for Msitu Ward, Spesha Fungulani, said the completion of the project signifies the council’s commitment to fulfil the needs of the people.
“The completion of this shed has proved to the people that what we ask as leaders at the council is delivered. This new shed will provide a proper and safe environment for our traders. However, we also request the construction of another shed to complement this one,” said Fungulani.
Senior Chief Mavwere said traders in Waliranji have been relieved as they used to do business under the scorching sun and, at times, heavy rains.
“This new structure will enable them to operate in a more favourable environment. There is still a need for more of these structures so that all traders can have proper trading spaces, and it will also help the council in collecting more revenue,” he said.
Chairperson of Waliranji Market, Jalison Josam, also hailed the handover, assuring the authorities that the traders will take care of the new facility.
“We are very thankful for this market shed, and we pledge to maintain it properly so that it serves us for a long time,” said Josam.
Under GESD the council has also constructed bridges, a livestock market and a gravity water-fed system among others.
