In a move to enhance economic activities and improve local infrastructure, the Nkhotakota District Council handed over a newly constructed K107 million Market Shed to the Boma Market Committee.
The facility, built under the World Bank-funded Governance to Enable Service Delivery (GESD) programme is expected to improve revenue collection and contribute to the growth of Nkhotakota’s economy.
The handover ceremony, which took place at the Boma Market, was attended by key stakeholders, including the Chairperson for Nkhotakota District Council, Charles Chimzukuzuku, Member of Parliament for Nkhotakota Central Constituency, Peter Mazizi, and Limbikani Lumazi, Chairperson of the Boma Market Committee.
Speaking at the event, Chimzukuzuku emphasised the importance of the new facility in improving both business operations and community well-being.
Said Chimzukuzuku: “This market shed is not just a structure; it is an investment in the future of Nkhotakota. It will boost revenue collection and add value to the growing economy of our district.
“Our goal is to ensure that similar modern market sheds are built across the district to support business operators and local communities.”
The new market shed is set to provide a more conducive environment for business owners and traders in Nkhotakota, offering them a modern, safe, and clean space to operate.
The facility will also help organise the markets, improve sanitation, and increase access to goods and services for consumers.
Limbikani Lumazi, the Chairperson for the Boma Market, expressed gratitude for the timely support from the Nkhotakota District Council.
He noted that the new market shed would go a long way in boosting the livelihoods of market vendors, traders and other community members.
“We are very grateful to the council for this initiative.
This market shed will improve business conditions and create a better environment for both traders and customers. It’s a step in the right direction for Nkhotakota,” said Lumazi.
While celebrating the progress made, both Lumazi and Peter Mazizi emphasised the need for attention to other essential facilities such as toilets.
They urged the council to ensure that public toilet facilities at the market and other marketplaces are regularly inspected and maintained to meet the same high standards as the market sheds.
“It is important that the toilets are functional and up to standard to complement the new market sheds. This will enhance the overall experience for both traders and shoppers,” said Mazizi.
For the people of Nkhotakota, the development represents a critical step toward modernising infrastructure and improving the local economy.
The improved market conditions will benefit not only traders and business owners but also the local community by offering them better access to goods, services and employment opportunities.
The completion of the market shed is just one of many planned infrastructural projects under the GESD programme, which aims to improve service delivery and create sustainable economic opportunities for communities across Malawi.
