This archive report was first published on 4 December 2019.
Construction of a Sh117.9 million market in Homa Bay town is underway, with a completion date set for early next year. The market is expected to benefit over 600 traders.
However, traders have been warned against paying for stalls, with some being asked to pay between Sh2,000 and Sh2,500. This comes after Homa Bay CEC for Lands and Physical Planning Roselyn Odhiambo, Homa Bay Municipality Board Manager Zilpa Opapo, and the board chairperson Dorcas Matunga confirmed receiving information about irregular collection of funds from traders.
During a stakeholders meeting, Odhiambo assured traders that the county government had not sent anyone to collect cash for stalls. She urged traders to be wary of anyone asking for money claiming it is for allocation of stalls.
Opapo announced that the board and the county executive would form a committee to allocate the stalls, prioritizing traders who relocated from the market when its construction began in May. The committee would ensure fairness in the process and distribute stalls without any payments except normal taxes.
Matunga advised traders to report anyone demanding money from them, emphasizing the need for collaboration between traders and the municipality board to eradicate practices hindering proper service delivery.
