The Minister of Local Government and Decentralisation, Dan Botwe, has cut sod for the construction of an ultra-modern market facility in the Nkoranza South Municipality of the Bono East Region.

Financed by the World Bank, Mr Botwe assured that the project will be completed by July 2024. He emphasised the government's commitment to ensuring that the contractor, A4 Construction Limited, adheres to the timeline.

The Nkoranza South market initiative is part of the 35 secondary city projects funded by a World Bank loan. Nkoranza becomes the second city in the Bono East Region to benefit from this World Bank initiative.

Phase I of the project encompasses the construction of a two-story building with 50 lockable stores, 100 market stalls, four market hostels, a 20-seater WC toilet facility, 10 bathrooms, sanitation and revenue offices, drilling and mechanized boreholes, fire hydrants, and the rehabilitation of existing market facilities.

Phase 2 will include the construction of 50 two-story units, comprising 47 lockable stores, a police post, a health post, a six-seater WC toilet, drilling and mechanization of two boreholes, as well as the construction of 100 unit stalls and two nurseries with offices.

In Phase 3, the market will see the implementation of bitumen surfacing for 1.2 km of roads with drainage and 1.2 km of walkways. Additionally, there will be two bus stops, procurement of 20 waste bins, planting of ornamental trees along the road, paving of 164,910 square meters for a waiting lounge, installation of 30 security lights, two bus terminals, construction of drainage systems, and landscaping.

Mr. Botwe, who also serves as the MP for Okere, highlighted that once completed, this state-of-the-art market project is poised to catalyze commercial activities in the municipality.

Nana Kwame Baffoe IV, representing his constituents, expressed gratitude to the government for this initiative and pledged their steadfast support towards its realization.

Accompanying the minister were his deputy, Martin Agyei Mensah Korsah, MP for Techiman South, key figures from the ministry, and consultants from AESL.

Also in attendance were Nana Kwame Baffoe IV, the Paramount Chief for Nkoranza Traditional Area, sub-Chiefs, and Queen Mothers. Notable dignitaries included the Municipal Chief Executive, Daniel Owiredu, Constituency Executives of the New Patriotic Party led by Clement Owusu Agyei, former MP, Ampofo Twumasi, and former Bono East Regional Chairman.