Maravi

Fee confidence of solution to New Soweto Market issues

Fee confidence of solution to New Soweto Market issues
By Agness Changala
Fri 16 Apr. 2010, 03:20 CAT

EUROPEAN Union (EU) head of delegation Dr Derek Fee is confident that the issues delaying the commissioning of the New Soweto Market will be resolved amicably for the benefit of the marketeers and the general public.

Giving his position on the government’s delay to open the market, Dr Fee said the commission was informed that the market had not yet reached a 100 per cent occupancy rate due to ongoing litigation regarding the initial allocation of stalls.

“We are, however, confident that this issue will be resolved amicably for the benefit of the marketeers and the general public,” he said.

Dr Fee said the timing of the official opening of the Soweto market had been receiving serious attention from all stakeholders involved.

“These being the government, the EU, the marketers and the Lusaka City Council (LCC),” Dr Fee said.

He said the Ministry of Local Government and Housing (MLGH) was preparing the official opening.
“As such, we have been in constant dialogue with Government through the MLGH and State House for the commissioning and opening of all these EU-funded markets. We are optimistic that suitable dates can be announced soon,” he said.

Dr Fee said the ownership of the New Soweto Market and other EU-funded markets in Kitwe Ndeke, Buchi-Kamitondo and Nakadoli, Lusaka Chelstone and Chilenje and Ndola Chisokone and Ndeke lies in the hands of the government.

The rehabilitation of the New Soweto Market was completed on November 17, 2008 with final acceptance given after a 12 months period of maintenance.

The completed infrastructure has already been handed over to the Lusaka City Council.

Labels: DEREK FEE, NEW SOWETO MARKET

posted by MrK @ 1:51 PM