NEDC To Construct Modern International Cattle Market In Soro, Bauchi
BY KHALID IDRIS DOYA, Bauchi
As part of its interventions in the sub-region, the North East Development Commission (NEDC) has resolved to construct an International Cattle Market in Soro town of Ganjuwa LGA of Bauchi state to safeguard the lives of people of the town who have fallen victim of attack by stray cows.
The Commission Managing Director, Dr. Mohammad Goni Alkali on Friday disclosed that the ultra-modern market which construction work has since commenced will be completed by the end of this year, 2021 and commissioned early next year, 2022.
He assured that every needed amenity such as electricity, water, public VIP toilets and other conveniences will be provided within the market for ease of doing business pointing out that it is part of the mandate of the commission to intervene in areas that will make life easier for people of the North-East sub region.
The NEDC Chief Executive said, “I have known about this market since my school years and I know how important it is to the people of the area. Based on the information we have, we decided to relocate the market to a safer and better place within the area of Soro town.”
Bauchi State Deputy Governor, Senator Baba Tela who led the inspection visit to the site project, expressed happiness over the new market, saying that it will go a long way to decongest the town on market days, as well as safe the lives of innocent people who had fallen victim in the past.
Baba Tela however pointed out that provision should be made to make business transactions in the market easier considering that Nigeria has joined the cashless society, hence the need for mobile banking on market days, and commended the commission for constructing the cattle market.
Chairman, Senate Committee on Special Duties, Yusuf Abubakar Yusuf also on the entourage, stressed the need for ownership of the market in order to make it viable and durable, saying, “when the people are involved, they tend to be more involved in the project”.
On his part the member representing Darazo/Ganjuwa Federal Constituency in the House of Reps, Hon. Mansur Manu Soro, said the the new international cattle market will have 48 locked up stalls, two restaurants that can accommodate 100 people at a time, a 200 capacity mosque, a mini cattle clinic, two boreholes and VIP toilets.
The Federal lawmaker said, “Worried by the loss of lives in the cattle market, I moved a request on the floor of the House and my request was forwarded to the NEDC for intervention. I am very happy that today, the project is moving on well.”
According to him, considering the size and volume of cattle that come in every market day, “We decided to expand the market to conveniently accommodate 3000 cattle at a time and make business transactions easier for the people”, the market when completed will reduce congestion on the highway and reduce the risk of people getting killed by oncoming vehicles during the market days.
