The New Patriotic Party (NPP) in Pusiga says traders displaced by the demolition of the old Pusiga market could face up to two years of disruption while they wait for the construction of a new 24-hour market.
The party has accused the Pusiga District Assembly of failing to adequately plan for the relocation of traders before the old market was demolished, claiming some affected traders have been left to construct temporary sheds and kiosks for themselves.
Addressing the media, NPP Communications Officer for Pusiga, Sumaila Jafaru, said the party was concerned about how traders would sustain their businesses during the construction period.
According to him, the alternative trading area was not adequately prepared to accommodate all the affected traders before they were moved from the old market.
The NPP also claims that the capacity of the temporary trading area is inadequate, leaving some traders without suitable spaces to operate.
Mr Jafaru further raised concerns about the location of the new market, saying it is within a residential area with houses surrounding the project site.
The party said residents had been informed that the disruption associated with the project could last at least two years, a timeline it described as worrying given the current stage of construction.
“Two years is not two days; it’s 730 full days,” the party said.
Mr Jafaru said the NPP was not opposed to the construction of the new market but was questioning the planning and timing of the project.
“We are not outrightly against the market – we are questioning the priority at the given time,” he said.
The party is demanding clarity from the government and the Pusiga District Assembly on the construction timeline and the arrangements made to support affected traders while work continues.
It also wants the Assembly to explain why the old market was demolished before alternative trading arrangements were adequately put in place, according to the party.
The NPP linked its concerns about the market to other development challenges in Pusiga, including the unfinished Agenda 111 hospital and poor inner roads.
Mr Jafaru said development projects should improve livelihoods while limiting the disruption experienced by residents during their implementation.
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