Reverend Martin Amenaki, the Municipal Chief Executive for the Ketu North Municipal Assembly, and some officials of the Assembly, have visited the three potential sites for the proposed the 24-hour economy market project in the municipality.
Their visit, together with the Consultants working on the 24-hour economy market project, was to assess the proposed site.
Rev. Amenaki said the Assembly initially presented a six-acre parcel of land located along a major road for consideration.
However, following consultations with community members and opinion leaders, an alternative proposal emerged to redevelop the existing central market, to improve accessibility and enhance economic activity.
The consultants visited the old market site, which was estimated at about 1.92 acres, but found it inadequate, as the project required a minimum of three acres to accommodate essential components, including parking space.
Rev. Amenaki noted that ongoing construction activities and road reservations could further reduce the usable space, making the site unsuitable for the full scope of the project.
The team also inspected a second location at Dzeshime, considered strategically positioned, but measuring approximately 1.98 acre, still below the required land size.
“The consultants have requested detailed layout plans for the proposed sites to determine whether adjustments can be made to fit the project. Otherwise, we may have to revert to the originally proposed site,” he stated.
Mr Kwasi Aboagye of PPMC International, Consultants for the project, confirmed that three sites had been assessed.
He said the municipality was expected to benefit from a “Model Three” 24-hour market, which would comprise shops, a banking facility, a police post, a daycare centre, open trading sheds, and a car park.
“We have asked the Assembly to submit layout plans for the three sites. Based on that, we will determine the most suitable and viable location for the project,” he said.
Mr Aboagye noted that although the ideal land size for the model market ranges between two and three acres, slightly smaller spaces could still be considered with appropriate design adjustments.
He said if the land was a little less than two acres, they would assess how best to manage it to meet the project’s requirements.
GNA
