Business News of Monday, 30 September 2002

Source: Accra Mail

Three-Tier Car Park for Kaneshie Market

The Board of the Accra Markets Limited, operators of the Kaneshie Market Complex has approved the construction of a three-tier parking facility at the Kaneshie Market.

The Chairman of the Board, Mr. Thomas Ametri addressing a press conference on Friday to mark the 23rd Kaneshie Market Day Celebrations, said planning, building and environmental permits have been obtained to commence the project which is expected to take off in six months.

However, he said, "what is left now is sourcing for funds for the project. A sub-committee of the Board has been appointed to deal with this."

The Chairman said but for the September 11 incident which occurred last year the company was on the verge of finalizing a loan from the US. He said they hope "something would be forthcoming" this year.

He said the car park which is estimated to cost $8 million forms part of measures to solve the "dual problems of congestion and sanitation at the Market".

Mr. Ametri describing how the car park would look upon completion said, commercial vehicles excluding taxis would be allotted the ground floor. A portion of the first floor would be used by taxis whiles the remaining part of the first and the second floors would be reserved for private vehicles.

"The new facility will have a capacity for about 500 vehicles, with toilet facilities, restaurants and offices," he said.

Touching on plans ahead to address the issue of poor sanitation at the market, he announced that the company is expected to take delivery of about 20 heavy-duty dustbins to be placed at the market. Each dustbin is to cost about ?675, 000.

The Kaneshie Market, which was commissioned on 22nd September, 1979 has a total of 3,496 stalls and stores. It has a lorry station in front of it, which serves majority of commuters in the city.