Enukweni market in Mzimba, which was constructed for K72 million, has been abandoned and neglected because M’mbelwa District Council is yet to compensate some 40 individuals around it, Weekend Nation has learnt.
According to the council’s director of planning and development, Tamanya Harawa, they completed the compensation evaluation exercise, estimated at K70 million, and submitted the report to the Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development last month.
The ministry’s spokesperson, Muhlabase Mughogho, confirmed receipt of the evaluation report, which she said would be submitted to the Office of the President and Cabinet for its action.
Senior Chief Mtwalo of the area bemoaned the delay in opening the market, whose construction started in 2009, and labelled it as counterproductive Minister of Local Government and Rural Development, Trasizio Gowelo, however, insisted it would be ready soon because it was constructed after assessing the needs of the people.
Mtwalo further said the market has no access road which would negatively affect business but Harawa said the proposed access road passes through a graveyard and some houses, whose owners would have to be compensated before construction work commences.
Member of Parliament (MP) for Mzimba North, Agnes Nyalonje, said with the market, women who currently sell along the M1 road, would have outlets for their farm produce.
“I also believe that road traffic accidents would also be minimised once it becomes operational as people will move away from the M1 road,” Nyalonje said.
