Slow pace of markets rehab worries Ndola Mayor
NDOLA Mayor Anon Chisenga has called for the speeding up of the construction of markets in the city, particularly Kapalala market which was gutted by fire.
The Mayor said Ndola did not have sufficient modern markets, hence the need to expedite the process of establishing modern structures.
He was speaking at his office when Local Government Ministry Permanent Secretary, Amos Malupenga, paid a courtesy call on him.
He regretted that the construction of Kapalala market had taken too long, leaving the people with no option but to trade in unsanitary situations.
Mr Chisenga noted that the construction of old Mushili market had stalled as the contractor Triple V had abandoned the works.
"I implore you Permanent Secretary to intervene in the matter involving the construction of the old Mushili market by Triple V which has stalled. We need to cooperate if work is to be completed," he said.
On council operations, the Mayor assured Mr Malupenga that the local authority was ‘ on top of things’ and would ensure that services to the people were efficient.
And Malupenga said various meetings had been held regarding the issue of Triple V's contract to construct the old Mushili market.
Mr Malupenga said there had been slight adjustments in the market plans across the nation.
He said the focus was currently on the big markets such as the City Market in Lusaka and Kapalala market in Ndola which experienced disasters.
Mr Malupenga hailed Ndola City council for making improvements in a number of areas over the months.
He advised the council to take care of its workers, stating that a calm and satisfied workforce would deliver services efficiently.
He said that the salary arrears gap would soon be reduced as issues of concern were receiving active attention.