Minister of State for the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Dr (Mrs) Mariya Mahmoud, has performed the groundbreaking for the construction of Zuba relief market in Gwagwalada Area Council under public-private partnership (PPP) arrangement.
The minister described the event as a testament of the administration’s commitment to the provision of infrastructures to residents, in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu.
She stressed that the groundbreaking was a bold step by the FCT Administration through the Gwagwalada Area Council, towards reducing the burden on funding through budgetary allocations.
She revealed that Zuba market was awarded to Khuntex Engineering Company Limited in December 2021 on a PPP agreement, to redevelop the market to a modern market.
The minister further said that the agreement was for the area council to provide unencumbered land and Khuntex to fund the construction 100 percent.
“To solve the protracted funding issue, the Gwagwalada Area Council decided to explore private sector funding options as we are witnessing today which leverages the utilisation of private sector in exchange for land as a resource for the re-development of the Zuba modern market, among other PPP initiatives,” she said.
While stressing the importance of market infrastructure in rural areas, the minister noted that rural markets serve as the lifeline of countless communities, providing a platform for farmers and artisans to sell their produce and goods.
Mahmoud assured that through collaboration, the rural markets are equipped with modern facilities that will not only enhance the efficiency of agricultural value chains but also empower rural entrepreneurs to access larger markets and attain better prices for their products.
She said: “The redevelopment of the Zuba modern market under PPP fosters economic resilience and social inclusion.
“It generates employment opportunities, enhances income levels and promotes skill development among rural youths.”
In his remarks, the chairmen and chief executive of Khuntex Engineering Company Limited, Dayo Jigan, assured that the first phase of the project will be completed in 10 months, as a mark of commitment and collaborative spirit of two dynamic forces.
He expressed his appreciation to the administration, for their leadership foresight in initiating the remodeling of Zuba modern market.
He described the partnership as a labour of love and dedication.
On his part, chairman of Gwagwalada Area Council, Abubakar Giri, identified the Zuba modern market as one of the major markets that will boost the revenue base of Gwagwalada Area Council.
He promised that other abandoned markets within the area council will be revived, just as he called on the contractor to complete the construction work within the stipulated time.
It will be recalled that the 618 Zuba modern market will consist of mixed units of open/lock up shops, warehouses, eatery, banking hall, restaurant, police post, fire station, public toilet, bus loading bay as well as other amenities in line with global standard.
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