TAMALE NEEDS MODERN MARKET (PAGE 29)

Story: Zakaria Alhassan, Tamale

THE Tamale Central Market is the nerve centre of commercial activities in the metropolis.
As the name depicts, it is located in the central business district where people from all walks of life converge to transact business.
There are two major markets in Tamale: the Central and Aboabo markets. There are also satellite markets dotted in some of the suburbs such as Lamashegu.
The markets, which provide livelihood for most residents and the metropolitan assembly, are in a very deplorable state, which does not befit the status of this fast-growing city.
Apart from the haphazard way the stores and stalls are sited, the markets are congested. Shoppers, therefore, find it difficult to move about easily.
There are also no drains; neither are the narrow walkways sealed. During the rainy season, the markets become so muddy that they become no-go areas for shoppers.
Those who venture into them eventually get their clothes soiled.
The markets also lack proper urinals and toilets. There is only an old fashioned public toilet located inside the old market and this is simply an eyesore.
Apart from being not adequate to serve the growing number of traders and shoppers, its location in the midst of stores and stalls is a threat to the health of the people. One only prays that an epidemic does not break out any time soon.
In the event of an emergency such as sickness or fire outbreak, it would be a disaster because no ambulance or fire engine can gain access to the appropriate place.
Indeed, it is the hope of many residents that the metropolitan assembly would supervise the rebuilding of the central market, which was burnt during the revolutionary era in 1979, to ensure that it conforms to modern standards of construction.
Unfortunately, that is not the case, resulting in the messy state of the two markets.
During the Acheampong regime of the ’70s, an attempt was made to build a market complex at Aboabo but the project could not be completed before he was overthrown.
However, the foundation that was laid for the storey building is still intact and the TAMA could continue with the project.
The metropolitan officials say they are exploring ways of attracting private developers to partner it to build the markets to appreciable standards and also improve the facilities there.
They further said that more satellite markets would be created in some of the suburbs to ‘decongest’ the existing markets.
It is hoped that the assembly would live up to its commitment by ensuring that the markets are given the necessary facelift to befit the status of the metropolis.