The Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly (KMA) has initiated the demolition of the unstable main storey-building in Asafo Market, aiming to prevent potential disasters.
This effort is part of a broader strategic plan by KMA, involving various developmental projects across the Metropolis.
The Assembly has already relocated all tenants for a six-month period to facilitate the construction of new market shops.
Upon completion, the project is expected to mitigate fire risks within the market, as emphasised by KMA Chief Executive Samuel Pyne.
The redevelopment, divided into three phases for minimal disruption, will transform the market with over 3,000 modern shops, dining areas, bulk breaking facilities, and enhanced infrastructure including a fire station and administrative offices.
Mayor Samuel Pyne highlighted the focus on modernization and safety, ensuring robust fire detection and combating systems are integrated.
“Our focus is to modernize the market to create a serene trading environment for the trader to trade in peace and tranquility by providing them appropriate security including protection against fire. It is going to be a modern market; the structures will not be wooden. We are also making sure the contractor will expedite action on-site to meet the terms and agreement in the contract we have signed. We are also going to monitor the work from day one to the end to ensure our expectations are met on the project because I personally don’t want the traders to stay home for a longer period.”
Additionally, plans for a new police station near the market aim to bolster security and promote commerce without compromising safety.
“Currently we are almost getting international funding from our partners to have a beautiful police station around the same area to cater for the security needs of the people. We have all these in mind to make the place a standard marketplace to promote commerce without any security threat.”
Relocated traders expressed support for the project, urging KMA to expedite construction to avoid prolonged disruptions to business activities.
Their cooperation reflects a shared interest in addressing safety and promoting a vibrant trading environment.
“We are not complaining much about the project and its effect on us because of the fruitful discussions we already had with the management of KMA. The project will serve our collective interest by addressing flooding and fire threats in the market. Our call to KMA is that they should expedite action on-site to meet the six-month deadline for the completion of the project’’.