The redevelopment of the Odawna Market will start next year, the Korle Klottey Municipal Assembly (KoKMA) has announced.
It said the Ministry of Finance had approved the construction of the market under a public-private partnership (PPP) arrangement and that the necessary engagements were ongoing to kick-start its redevelopment.
The Municipal Chief Executive of the assembly, Alfred Allotey-Gaisie, who announced this last Thursday, said the proposed redevelopment was expected to focus on improving trading infrastructure, sanitation, drainage, accessibility and the general organisation of the market.
He said it was the vision of the assembly to promote a more organised, accessible, hygienic and business-friendly trading environment that responded to the needs of traders and the growing demands of the city.
"We believe that modern market infrastructure is essential not only for improving the working conditions of traders but also for strengthening local economic activity and enhancing the overall commercial outlook of Korle Klottey," he explained.
Mr Allotey-Gaisie announced an engagement with the traders of the Odawna Market to address concerns, correct misinformation and communicate the assembly’s plans regarding the development of the market and its surrounding commercial facilities.
It will be recalled that Odawna Market was among the areas badly affected by recent heavy rains, which disrupted trading activities, adversely affected livelihoods and created uncertainty among traders.
Rubber market, shopping mall
Regarding reports suggesting that the Odawna Rubber Market had been relocated, Mr Gaisie urged the public to disregard them, stating that the traders remained at their original location and were continuing their trading activities.
He further announced that immediately after GARID completed its works near the market, the assembly would commence the construction of a modern-day shopping mall to provide traders with a more organised and improved trading environment, explaining that they intended to create a more functional, organised and attractive commercial environment that supported traders, encouraged patronage and contributed to the economic development of the municipality.
Traders
The various trader groups, who welcomed the redevelopment of the market, however, appealed to the authorities to ensure that all existing traders were allocated space upon completion, rather than selling the stalls to wealthy individuals on a pro rata basis, as had happened at other markets where they previously traded.
They further appealed that should it become necessary for them to be relocated as part of the redevelopment, the place should be one that would not inconvenience them.
Responding to the traders’ concerns, the Municipal Planning Officer, Alex Amoah, said both the temporary relocation site and the new market to be constructed would be designed to accommodate the needs of the various trading groups.
