Moroto, Uganda –Traders in Moroto Municipality have appealed to the government to launch a special investigation into the recently constructed multibillion market, which has been leaking barely one year after it was handed over to the municipality and the business community.
The market, which cost taxpayers Shs 25 billion, was flooded on Saturday, paralyzing business activities.
The Moroto market was developed under the Markets and Agriculture Trader Improvement Program (MATIP), with co-funding from the Arab Bank of Economic Development in Africa.
Ambitious Construction Company Limited was awarded the contract in 2018, and it was handed over to the municipal authority last year.
This publication witnessed water leaking from the roof, while some water passed through the upper drainage directly into the people’s stalls.
Joseph Loru, one of the traders, wondered why the market, built at the cost of Shs 25 billion, could start leaking so quickly.
“Today, I have not sold anything because of the many leakages in the market, and the government needs to task the contractor to return and perform major repairs on the market,” he said.
Mr. Loru added that some parts of the market buildings already have cracks, something he said would endanger people if no attention is paid.
Grace Nakiru, another trader, said the market is not worth Shs 25 billion, demanding that investigations be conducted.
“How can a market worth Shs 25 billion develop leakages so soon, even before it completes one year?” she asked.
