The Minister of State for the Federal Capital Territory, Dr. Mariya Mahmoud, has inaugurated the groundbreaking ceremony for the construction of Zuba Relief Market in the Gwagwalada Area Council under a Public-Private Partnership arrangement.
During the event, the minister emphasized that this initiative underscores the administration’s dedication to providing essential infrastructure for residents, aligning with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Mahmoud highlighted that the groundbreaking signifies a proactive move by the FCT Administration, in collaboration with the Gwagwalada Area Council, to alleviate the financial burden associated with funding such projects through budgetary allocations.
She disclosed that Khuntex Engineering Company Limited was awarded the contract for the redevelopment of Zuba Modern Market in December 2021 under a Public-Private Partnership agreement. The agreement entails the Area Council providing unencumbered land, while Khuntex will fully finance the construction.
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The minister reiterated the administration’s commitment to enhancing the quality of life for residents by modernizing market facilities and improving economic opportunities in the region.
According to her; “to solve the protracted funding issue, the Gwagwalada Area Council decided to explore private sector funding options as we are witnessing today which leverages the utilisation of private sector in exchange for land as a resource for the redevelopement of the Zuba Modern Market, amongst other Public, Private, Partnership (PPP) initiatives”.
While emphasising the importance of robust market infrastructure in rural areas, the minister noted that rural markets serve as the lifeline of countless communities, providing a platform for farmers and artisans to sell their produce and goods.
Mahmoud assured that through collaboration, the rural markets are equipped with modern facilities that would not only enhance the efficiency of agricultural value chains, but also empower rural entrepreneurs to access larger markets and attain better prices for their products.
She said; “the redevelopment of this Zuba modern market under public-private partnerships fosters economic resilience and social inclusion.
“It generates employment opportunities, enhances income levels, and promotes skill development among rural youth”.
In his remarks, the chairmen and chief executive of Khuntex Engineering Company Ltd. Engr. Dayo Jigan, assured that the first phase of the project would be completed in 10 months, as a mark of unwavering commitment and collaborative spirit of two dynamic forces.
He, however, expressed his appreciation to the administration, for their leadership foresight in initiating the remodeling of Zuba modern market.
He described the partnership as a labour of love and dedication.
On his part, the chairman of Gwagwalada Area Councils, Hon. Abubakar Giri, identified the Zuba modern market as one of the major markets that would boost the revenue base of Gwagwalada Area Council.
He promised that other abandoned markets within the area council would be revived, even as he called on the contractor to complete the construction work within the stipulated period.
It would be recalled that the 618 Zuba modern market will consists of mixed units of open/lock up shops, warehouses, eatery, banking hall, restaurant, police post, fire station, public toilet, bus loading bay as well as other amenities in line with global standard.
