The first phase of Gbugbu International Market in Edu local government area of Kwara State is ready for use.
The first phase of the project comprises 200 open stores and 22 lock-up shops — complete with electrical fittings and water, sanitation and hygiene facilities to maintain a healthier trading environment.
Gbugbu is an historic trade melting pot, bringing together people from across West Africa sub-region.
Kwara State governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, during an inspection visit to the market on Sunday, said the delivery of the project was satisfactory.
AbdulRazaq said that the next two phases will include abattoir, police station, fire station, car park, administrative office, among others.
He said all the phases of the project will gulp N1.5bn according to government’s design, adding that the market will have multiplier effects on the local economy.
“Gbugbu is known for trade from its inception. It is a resilient community. People come from Lafiagi, Patigi and other places like Niger State and from across Nigeria and beyond to trade here. So, there was the need to develop it. It is a good and big project that will gulp about N1.5billion for the three phases.
“I am impressed with the work done so far by the contractor. We are making sure that WASH (Water, Sanitation and Hygiene) programme is available on the sideline as we build the facility. You can also see the new school we just built. So, no community will be left unattended to by our administration. It shows that this is a responsible government.
“We are not operating a concentric government where development will be concentrated at the centre alone. Gbugbu is two-hour drive from Ilorin, the state capital. It shows that every locality and local government is impacted from our investment as a government. We are not forgetting any community, and Gbugbu is part of Kwara and deserves proper investments,” the governor added.
AbdulRazaq said with some other industries such as BUA Sugar Factory coming on board, Gbugbu market will benefit alot and Edu local government area as a whole is poised to become a very rich local government in the State.
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