Al-Makura donates N20m for completion of new orange market in Mararaba

Gov. Umaru al-Makura of Nasarawa State on Thursday donated N20 million to traders to facilitate the completion of the new ‘Orange’ market in Mararaba, Karu Local Government Area.

Al-Makura announced the donation while inspecting public facilities at the market.

He noted that the construction of the market was done through communal efforts by the traders at the orange market.

The governor recalled that when the state government began the exercise to decongest the Abuja – Keffi highway, it (government) muted the idea of relocating the market.

He stated that the traders then expressed their desire to construct another market for which they acquired a piece of land some metres away from the road.

He commended the traders for the initiative and praised the efforts and financial commitment they had put in to make their dream a reality.

He urged the contractor to complete the job within one month.

Al-Makura also advised other citizens in the state to emulate the traders’ example by complementing government’s efforts through provision of basic facilities for the good of the society.

“The market which has 300 shops and other facilities for all categories of traders especially grocery would add tremendous value to business activities within the Karu corridor, “ Al-Makura said.

The governor said the government had awarded about N100 million contract for the construction of a bridge to link the new market.

Al-Makura, who said the project was 90 per cent completed, charged the contractor handling the bridge to finish the project within two weeks or have the contract revoked.

He stated that government would pull down the old market and use the land to build a mini-stadium to serve the recreational needs of the people in the area.

He expressed the hope that the stadium would help to curb youth restiveness and groom new talents that would bring glory in sports to the state and the nation.

Earlier, Baba Ali, Chairman of the Traders Association, who took the governor round the market, enumerated the traders’ needs to include; electricity, access road within the market, and landscaping.