The local authorities in Mundri East County have razed the main market in Lui and urged traders to purchase land for commercial development.
County Commissioner Magret Fozia told this publication that the flattening of Lui Market Is part of a plan to expand and improve its structure.
“We demarcated the market in 2021 when I first became commissioner. Initially, the size of plots in the market was 3 meters squared, after consulting with the Ministry of Lands and Infrastructure in Yambio, we worked with a committee to expand the market, with new dimensions of 8 by 10 or 7 by 8 meters for standard shops,” she explained.
Fozia highlighted that the market’s redesign is part of the 2021 development initiative which the Lui Payam Community contributed to. She said Rhino Construction Company provided machinery for clearing the land after receiving a payment of USD 4,800 for four days of work.
“We are now ready to assign plots to those who have registered, allowing them to begin construction on the market land,” she added.
The Commissioner also appealed to all traders in Mundri East and Yambio, to invest in Lui Payam.
“Mundri East is not just for the people of Lui, it is a place for everyone from Western Equatoria State, so, anyone interested in constructing shops can come and apply for land,” Fozia stated.
Meanwhile, Ismail Basha, the chairperson of the Mundri East Chamber of Commerce and leader of the local traders, explained that the government decided to demolish the market to build a more secure facility to protect against theft, a move he described as a positive development.
“Mundri East is open to everyone in South Sudan. If you have the financial means, come and apply for land because as this area develops, it will benefit us all,” he said.
For his part, the youth representative in Mundri East County, Simon Moburuk, said they are contented with the local government’s move to redevelop the market.
“The community is very happy with the demolition and redesign of the market,” he asserted. “This initiative will bring significant development to Mundri East County, and we are eager to see the improvements. This will help improve our area and create more development opportunities.”