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The Sewa Grounds Market is expected to be completed in 120 days from now including the last seven days, according to the Project Manager for the National Social Security and Insurance Trust (NASSIT), Architect Abel Onomake, following the official handing over of the project site by NASSIT to the contractors for completion. The Sewa Grounds Market is expected to be an ideal alternative to street trading across the central business district of Freetown including Sani Abacha Street.
Speaking during a ceremony held at the site in Freetown on Monday, the Minister of Trade and Industry, Dr Edward Hingha Sandy said traders will be able to relocate to the Sewa Grounds Market by 1st January 2023, providing a โcomplete solutionโ to street trading in the central business district of Freetown.
The facilities at the Sewa Grounds Market will include 2067 shops including 170 large ones that can accommodate banks and other offices, Onomake said.
The Director-General of NASSIT, Mohamed Fuad Daboh said the market will be habitable, safe, and secured and will be available for every trader who will meet the rent conditions.
The Deputy Minister of Labour and Social Security, Lansana Mohamed Dumbuya thanked the NASSIT management for what he described as a national pride to help the informal sector thrive as NASSIT is planning to enroll it for the scheme.
There are seven lots at the facility in the Sewa Grounds Market including the open market stalls divided into four categories which can accommodate about 1544 different stalls and tables, according to Mr Onomake.
It will also have facilities such as 40 toilets 20 each for males and females; stores at the warehouse,100 thousand liters of water that can run for about two weeks; 250KVA transformer and a standby generator; a police post; a fire force, and clinic, according to the Project Manager.
