President William Ruto’s pledge todignify the work of Mama Mboga and other small scale traders in Embu is becoming a reality as the Embu Modern Market nears completion.
During an interview at the site recently, site civil engineer, Benard Khaemba, said that the four-storey market was now 67 percent complete saying that the project is ahead of schedule in terms of completion.
“The project lasts for 36 months, that is 3 years. Now, we are at around 67 percent. So, it means we are ahead of schedule. So, basically the building has four levels. We have the lower, the basement three,” Eng. Khaemba.
“That’s on the lower side, basement two, basement one and now the ground floor. Generally the projects, we are just on the finish of structural works which we are doing right now, beams and columns and everything. And also we are doing roofing. So it means we are remaining with finishes and civil works,” he added.
He said: “Our plan is to finish the project before even the project completion period. We are focusing on clearing this project by the end of this year.”
Apart from providing Mama Mboga (vegetable vendors), small scale traders a conducive environment to do their business, the Embu Modern Market is also equipped with crucial facilities such as ICT room and internet infrastructure to boost e-commerce.
It also has a room where lactating mothers can breastfeed their babies as well as cold storage facilities to cushion traders and suppliers from losses.
“The design of the project is very good and it gives Mama Mboga and any other trader who is going to work here a good environment for business. Apart from well designed shops and stalls, we have space for kids to play, it also offers a secure environment,” he pointed out.
“We have enough washroom facilities. And also within the project we have the kitchens, hotels, cooking areas and eating places. They are working in an environment just as somebody working in a bank has the same facilities as a person working in this place,” he continued.
He said that the project has been a major source of employment for locals noting that at the peak of construction, 500 people were hired with the majority of them sourced from the surrounding areas.
“The President and the Deputy President really did well to plan for this project so that they can improve their lifestyle and the circle of everybody from bottom to top,” he said, adding that experts in the construction industry like civil and structural engineers, architects and surveyors have gained jobs in the enhanced national infrastructure development.
One of the casual workers, John Muriuki, from Kavita in Embu Kavita echoed his sentiments saying many of his peers were also hired as skilled and unskilled labourers.
“Since this project started, the majority of the youth have been employed here. We got jobs, especially us who were unemployed,” said Muriuki. “These projects show the government care for its youth, youth get employed in these projects and get to provide to our families and most importantly avoid engaging in criminal activities,” he added.
“The youth appreciates President William Ruto and his government for taking the initiative to create employment for the youth and help them to be self-reliant and improve their livelihoods,” he stated. He said that the project has reduced crime by eliminating idleness especially among the youth.
