70 CCTV Cameras to be installed in Soroti multi-billion market

the new market is planned to be fitted with 70 CCTV cameras and loud speakers controlled from the office of the chairman of the vendors for easy communication

The construction of the Soroti Central Market under the Market and Agricultural Trade Improvement Program Project-2 (MATIP-2) has clocked 80% of completion.

According to Soroti Municipal authorities, the terrazzo, windows, walkways and doors are excellently fixed and are at their logical conclusion.

Mr. Moses Otimong, the Soroti Municipal Town Clerk, told our Aica that, after completion, the first priority will go to the sitting vendors and after they have settled all the sitting vendors, they will then give the rest of the public a chance to apply for the remaining spaces.

Abraham Omaido, the Eastern Division boss, said that “the progress is at 80%. We expect it to be fully done by end of April this year. Traders should get ready to enjoy the best facility and we will keep the public posted on the latest developments.”

Undoubtedly, new infrastructure will change Soroti’s landscape and perhaps create opportunities that will improve the quality of life.

The 580 lock-up market being constructed by TECHNO 3 Uganda Ltd, partly funded by a loan from the African Development Bank (AfDB) under the Market and Trade Infrastructure programme cost Government Shs 24bn.

The Ministry of Local Government and African Development Bank have previously supported the modernization of Central markets in Mbale, Wandegeya in Kampala, Hoima, Gulu, Moroto, and Lira.

Soroti central market project is the biggest of all the markets being constructed under the markets and agricultural trade improvement project.

The exclusive features in the new market

According to the plan Aica saw, the new market is planned to be fitted with 70 CCTV cameras and loud speakers controlled from the office of the chairman of the vendors for easy communication, and, translucent iron roofs will be used to ensure that most of the day-to-day activities are done under natural light conditions.

To add to that, Soroti market is designed to use solar power for operating most things like cold rooms for storage of fresh foods and vegetables. Apart from solar power for light, there will also be a solar powered water pumping system specifically for the market, implying that less of the National Water and Sewerage Corporation supply will be used.

The market once completed is projected to accommodate close to 4,000 vendors up from 1000 that were occupying the old market.