County to Construct Temporary Market for Cheera Traders as Njuki Rallies for Unity

Tharaka Nithi Governor Muthomi Njuki has announced plans by the County Government to construct a temporary market for Cheera traders who have vacated their premises to pave the way for the construction of a modern market in the town.

Speaking at Cheera in Chuka Igambang'ombe Constituency on Tuesday, Governor Njuki emphasized the need for a temporary space where traders can operate as they await the completion of the main market. He stated that the temporary stalls would accommodate all 147 traders who have been displaced.

"President William Ruto, in his manifesto, pledged to construct new markets for economic empowerment. We were allocated markets in Chuka, Chogoria, Marimanti, Gatunga, and others including Cheera, which was identified as a priority in Chuka Igambang'ombe. People need a temporary place to operate from as they wait for the construction of the market to be completed," he said.

The Governor assured residents that the construction of the main market would not stall and urged those spreading propaganda to refrain from actions that could divide the community and cause disunity.

"Chuka, Chogoria, and Gatunga markets are progressing. We will not allow Cheera market to stall like the one in Marimanti due to politics. Nothing will stop this market from being constructed," he added.

To facilitate the construction of the temporary market, Governor Njuki noted that the county government had leased land in Cheera Town for two years. He called upon the County Assembly to pass a supplementary budget to enable the commencement of the temporary market's construction.

Njuki said traders would be able to access the temporary space starting November this year, with the construction of the new ultra-modern market expected to take up to two years.

"Construction of the main market may take up to two years, and I can't allow my traders to operate from the roadside. We must find them a proper place to work from. We need funds from the County Assembly to build a temporary market that will accommodate our 147 traders. We urge the County Assembly to prepare a supplementary budget to facilitate this," Njuki said.

Additionally, the Governor dismissed claims that the registration of traders was a scheme to collect names for opposing the market's construction at Cheera, calling such statements malicious and divisive.

"There is propaganda suggesting that the registration of names was a strategy to go to court and stop the market's construction. Let those involved seek other ways to gain political mileage. What matters to the people is the construction of the market," he added.

"Markets are managed and run by county governments. How can traders be ordered to vacate without being offered an alternative place to operate from? Our Cheera traders are not squatters."

According to Njuki, the new market will host 197 traders and will include parking space, a septic tank, waste bin areas, a crèche with a paid caretaker, offices, a meeting hall, a restaurant, and a food court.

County Assembly Speaker John Mbabu assured the Governor of continued collaboration with the executive to ensure that projects such as the temporary market are funded through the supplementary budget.

"We want to assure you that no one is opposed to the construction of the market. We are all in agreement. We will cooperate with the county government and ensure the supplementary budget passes so that work can begin. We are hopeful that it will pass and bring the fruits of development," Mbabu said.

Other leaders present included Deputy Governor Wilson Nyaga Muisrael, and MCAs Justin Kithinji, Godfrey Murithi Gaturo, and Jacob Ndeke Kiriko.