By Hajara Leman
Grain merchants Association in Gombe State have commended Gov. Inuwa Yahaya for constructing a new international grain market aimed at modernising grain trading and boosting commercial activities in the state.
The traders made the commendation on Tuesday in Gombe during an inspection tour of the ongoing project to assess the progress of work and familiarise themselves with the facilities being provided by the state government.
The Chairman Grain merchants association, Malam Sirajo Musa, expressed satisfaction with the development, describing the project as a major step towards transforming grain trading in the state.
Musa said the establishment of such a large market in Gombe was remarkable, adding that to his knowledge there was no other grain market of comparable size in the country.
Speaking during the inspection, the Commissioner for Trade, Industry and Tourism, Alhaji Nasiru Muhammad, said the visit was organised to bridge the communication gap between the state government and the traders and to enable them to appreciate the progress of the project.
He explained that grain merchants had operated from temporary locations for more than 100 years, noting that the new market would provide modern facilities and a more conducive trading environment.
The commissioner disclosed that Governor Yahaya has approved N200 million to support the relocation of traders to another temporary site and provide the necessary facilities while construction continues.
According to him, the current market location houses a mosque believed to be over 200 years old, which the Gombe State Government plans to develop and preserve as one of the state’s historical sites.
Also speaking, the Commissioner for Housing and Urban Development, Mr Mohamed Fawu, said the contract was awarded in February to Messrs Madugu Commercial Construction Company at a cost of N11.3 billion with a completion period of 56 weeks.
He said substantial progress had been recorded, adding that the relocation of traders had increased the urgency to complete the project without compromising quality and construction standards.
Fawu expressed confidence that the project would be delivered within the stipulated timeframe.
The supervising architect, Mr Garba Piyel, explained that the market was being constructed in two phases, comprising 32 blocks with a total of 640 shops.
He said the first phase, which has reached roof level, comprised 16 blocks, each containing 20 shops, while the second phase would provide another 16 blocks, bringing the total number of shops to 640.
Piyel added that the market would also feature a mosque, canteen and other essential facilities to support traders and visitors. NAN
