Gordon market construction delayed

 By PHOEBE GWANGILO

Gordon market is expected to be transformed into a multiple-storeyed modern market but work is delayed due to the need of a feasibility study on safety issues, National Capital District Governor Powes Parkop says. 

“We have funding from the New Zealand Government, it has been outstanding for two years now and we are all being frustrated about this delay but I want to thank the New Zealand Government for being patient,” he told The National.

 “They have provided about K15 million for the project and National Capital District Commission is going to top it up with kina to kina basis and it’s going to be about K32 million.”

 Parkop said NCD may also get additional funding from elsewhere to build the market.

“We went through a process that we try to consult people,” he said.

Parkop said UN Women were engaged to look at safety issues to do feasibility studies on safety on traffic management and safety mechanisms. 

“That has taken a bit of time, it’s worth taking the time to consider those issues because Gordon market is like the barometer of safety in our city,” he said.

“It’s important that we achieve an outcome that makes Gordon safe for vendors and all the customers coming in and safe for everyone.

 “I think NCDC has called for tender now or will call very soon and it will be closed within a month and so once we award it, I think at end of the year, Gordon market will be completed.

 “The vendors – we are going to move them temporarily to Boroko. 

“That’s why we haven’t open Boroko market, so we are waiting for Gordon market to close so the vendors will temporarily use Boroko.”

Parkop said the main Gordon bus stop will remain.

He said the improved market facility, once built would greatly benefit the vendors.