The second phase of the Ho Central Market extension project in the Volta Region is almost finished.
Out of the 237 stores and other auxiliary facilities, 183 units—representing 85% of the total works—have been finished, while work on the building of 54 further stores is still ongoing.
The new initiative, which is a component of the government's Ghana Secondary Cities Support program, aims to make enough room to relieve the central market's congestion.
The Ghana Secondary Cities Support Programme, a $100 million World Bank project, will help 25 municipal assemblies across the nation, including the Ho Municipal Assembly.
The Ho Central Market extension project has already been through the first phase under the previous administration.
Four construction companies and a consulting firm were chosen to complete the expansion work in the second phase.
The project is accessible to people with disabilities and has 237 unit stores as well as auxiliary amenities including 72 restrooms, revenue stations, offices for transportation unions, mechanized boreholes, and a mosque, among others.
Three of the four lots have been finished and given to the Municipal Assembly's control.
George Aidoo, the project's supervising engineer, of Soman Consult Limited said that the last lot's contractor had asked for a two-month extension because of technical difficulties.
In the event that the Municipal Assembly approves the request, he promised to make sure the construction company finished the job within the extra two months.
The initiative would stimulate economic activity in the Volta Regional Capital, according to Divine Bosson, the chief executive of Ho Municipality, who commended the federal government for choosing the municipality.
He revealed that as soon as the beneficiaries are given access to the stores, the Assembly would start a significant decongestion effort at the market.
The Municipal Assembly plans to redesign the central market to reduce congestion, allow for the free movement of products and services, and improve accessibility in the event of emergencies.
According to Edward Anyam, the engineer for Ho Municipal Works, the department created the decongestion plan.
Below are some photos from the new market;
