By Sorie Ibrahim Fofanah
As they await the opening of the Sewa Grounds Market in Freetown, traders Politico spoke to at the famous Abacha Street have expressed fears about the would-be rent to be charged for shops at the centre .
The Chairlady Fatmata Barrie was speaking in relation to the advertisement for applications for shops at the facility which in quoting a statement by the Communication person for the National Social Security and Insurance Trust (NASSIT), Mohamed Bangali will be out at the end of the month.
On the prices of the various shops, she said there are rumours that the cost for the shops will be high and that some of their members are worried, as to whether they could not afford “four or five million old Leones”rumoured yearly rent per store.
“The time they told us we are going to be located at the market has passed. So, we are waiting on them, and at any time they say we should locate at the market, we are ready,” she said. Barrie went on to say that their union leadership had earlier told them to register the names of their members in a bid to ensure they have space in the newly constructed market.
On whether they would ensure that their entire membership leave Abacha Street upon the opening of the Sewa market, she said they are “eagerly” waiting for the said opening of the market, further saying the market is more conducive for traders.
In another interview with Politico, the Chairlady of Upper East Street Market, Maraima Muctarr said they are prepared to relocate to the newly- built market,. “Anytime they finish the market, we are ready to go there. We are safe when we are inside the market,” Chairlady Muctarr said, noting that street trading is perilous “because of vehicles and the thieves.”
The Communications person for NASSIT, Bangali later explained to Politico that traders have not been transferred to the market because it is not yet ready, and that they would inform the Public “soon,” when it is finished without giving a definitive time frame.
”We have 98% completed the market, but we have to put administrative things in order. We will have to advertise. Those who have interest will have to buy the form and apply, take a space, and pay before they go to occupy the shop.”
On the number of traders the market would host, he puts it at some 1,635 one thousand six hundred and thirty-five .
The Sewa Grounds Market project is the construction of a multi-million dollar ultra-modern market aimed at addressing street trading in the Central Business District (CBD) of Freetown.
The market according to an earlier notice should have been opened for business by November 1st of this year.
Copyright © 2023 Politico (08/11/23)
