NEWLY ESTABLISHED PRIVATE MARKET EXPECTED TO BOOST LOCAL ECONOMY IN ANZUU WARD, ARUA CITY

The newly constructed market (Photo by Sunday Amandi)

By Martin Anguyo

Arua City    
 
Community members of Anzuu Ward, in Arua city have expressed their gratitude after a new market has been established in their area by a private developer. The market located along arua Kampala highway before reaching Ragem (CEFORD Area) is nearing completion and is expeted to be open to the public after the works are finalised.

While speaking to Radio Pacis on behalf of the members, Hon. Juliet Ongiera, the area Councilor for Anzuu ward said, the market will contribute to the overall economic growth and development of Anzuu ward.

“I welcome the establishment of a private market in our community. This initiative will undoubtedly have a positive impact on the local economy and community. The market will provide a platform for local traders to showcase and sell their products, thereby increasing their customer base and revenue.” Juliet commented.

The market will benefit local traders, especially women and youth, by providing them with a structured and secure environment to conduct their businesses.  
It will create opportunities for them to showcase their products, develop their entrepreneurial skills, and increase their income. Additionally, the market will attract more customers to the area, which will have a positive impact on local businesses and services.

While the establishment of the market is a welcome development, Juliet foresees some challenges, such as ensuring adequate infrastructure, managing waste, and maintaining security.

To address these challenges, she says they will work closely with the market management team to develop effective strategies for waste management, security, and infrastructure maintenance.

A view of the market from the entrance (Photo by Godwin Abedican)

The market is expected to have an impact on existing market vendors or traders in the area, while, to mitigate any negative effects, support will be provided to existing vendors, including training and capacity-building programs, to help them adapt to the new market dynamics according to Hon. Ongiera.

She says they will also engage with vendors to understand their concerns and develop strategies to address them.
As the councilor of the area, Juliet hopes to ensure that the market benefits the community, especially the youth and women.  
"I will work closely with the market management team to develop programs and initiatives that support these groups, such as training programs, mentorship initiatives, and access to finance. I will also engage with stakeholders to ensure that their concerns are heard and addressed" noted Juliet.

“To ensure that the market is responsive to the needs of the community, we will engage with stakeholders, including market vendors, traders, and residents. We will establish a platform for them to provide feedback and suggestions, which will inform our decision-making processes,” she added.

To ensure that the market is sustainable and contributes to the overall development of Anzuu ward, there is a plan to develop a comprehensive business plan that outlines strategies for managing and maintaining the market, also establishing partnerships with local businesses and organizations to support the market's development and operations.

The market will be managed and maintained by a team of experienced professionals who will oversee its day-to-day operations, with focus on a plan for the market's long-term success, which includes strategies for increasing foot traffic, improving infrastructure, and expanding the range of products and services offered.

About inclusivity and access for all, Hon. Ongiera underscores that right from the initial stage s of the construction of the market this was one area emphasized.
“We are committed to ensuring that the market is accessible and inclusive for all members of the community, including those with disabilities. We will design the market infrastructure to be accessible, provide accommodations for vendors and customers with disabilities, and ensure that our programs and services are inclusive.

When opened the management of the market intends to promote community engagement and participation in the market's development and operations with the implementation of initiatives such as community outreach programs, stakeholder meetings and feedback mechanisms as well as  establishing partnerships with local organizations to support community engagement and participation.