𝗕𝘂𝘀𝗶𝗮 𝗧𝗿𝗮𝗱𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗦𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗲 𝗕𝗿𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗘𝘅𝘁𝗲𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗱 𝗛𝗼𝘂𝗿𝘀 𝗮𝘀 𝗦𝘁𝗿𝗲𝗲𝘁 𝗟𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗧𝗿𝗮𝗻𝘀𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺𝘀 𝗠𝗮𝗿𝗸𝗲𝘁𝘀.

BY ALEX WEKESA, TMG JOURNALIST.

Traders in Busia can now enjoy extended business hours following the launch of various street lighting projects across markets and shopping centres.

The project being implemented through a partnership between the County Government of Busia and Kenya Power company has seen street lights installed at various centres across the 35 wards.Mrs Mercyline Namukuru, a small holder trader at Mungatsi market in Bukhayo East Ward, Nambale Sub county lauded the project saying it was a bold step towards achieving a 24-hour economy.“I stock fish, eggs and milk.

The street lighting has come at the right time since we were trading in the dark. This project has added us extra hours as we can comfortably operate till midnight and also a guard against insecurity,” she said.Her sentiments were echoed by Mrs Veronica Adhiambo from Bumala, a dagaa seller, who said they now enjoy extra two hours, a departure from 7pm when they used to close shop.

“We thank our Governor Otuoma and our MCA Maina for seeing it fit to light Bumala. We urge them now to hasten the process of constructing the new market to accommodate more traders,” said Adhiambo.

Geofrey Wesonga a boda boda operator at Mungatsi market applauded the project stating that it has significantly reduced insecurity cases.While launching the projects, governor Paul Otuoma urged residents in benefiting areas to take full advantage of the project and reciprocate by timely payment of levies for sustainability purposes.He tasked them to develop an entrepreneurial mind to fully unlock the potential of power connectivity in markets and homes. “We want this power to be an economic stimulus, not some form of decoration. I urge our traders to embrace extended shifts either early in the morning or late in the evening.

The county boss further asked residents to be vigilant and protect street lamps from vandalism as his administration plans to install and rehabilitate more flood lights and street lights in all major markets in sub counties.The street lights have come in handy as some trading centres have witnessed increased insecurity incidences.