By Jones Gadama
Minister of Local Government and Rural Development, Dr Ben Malunga Phiri, on Saturday stormed the modern market being constructed under the TRADE Programme near Devil Street market in Lilongwe and issued a strong warning to all councils.
In the company of Lilongwe Bwaila Constituency Member of Parliament, Precious Kabambe, Dr Phiri inspected the progress and said he was satisfied with the quality of work on the ground.
The tough-talking Minister said timeliness will be met and stressed his stand that there will be no extensions or addenda in all councils.
He said projects must be completed on time for Malawians to start benefiting.
“I can’t wait for all markets to be finalized so that people can start benefiting,” Dr Phiri said.
The Area 1 market near Devil Street is one of seven modern markets being constructed across the country under the TRADE Programme with funding from the International Fund for Agricultural Development, IFAD.
For farmers and vendors who have for years traded in congested and unsafe conditions around the seven markets, the new market will provide a clean, safe and organised trading space where farmers will have a reliable place to sell their produce at fair prices, while vendors will have a dignified space for business, attract more customers and grow their incomes.
