Jinja City, The bustling streets of Jinja City have been hit by a wave of challenges as road construction projects continue to reshape the urban landscape. Local vendors and business owners are feeling the pinch as construction work disrupts their operations and accessibility for customers.
Several roads, including Clive Road, Clerk Road, Bell Avenue East, and West, and the completion of Busoga Avenue, are currently under construction as part of a comprehensive urban development initiative. The project, being undertaken by Zhongmei Engineering Group Ltd. and funded by the Uganda Support to Municipal Infrastructure Development (USMID)-Additional Funding (AF) batch 2 Cluster 4, aims to enhance the city’s infrastructure and overall appeal.
However, the construction has not been without its consequences for the local business community. Ms. Hadija Nabatanzi, a clothing vendor, lamented the challenges her colleagues are facing. Many shops have shut down temporarily due to the construction, while others that remain open struggle to attract customers due to limited accessibility and excessive dust.
Ms. Farida Nakito, a shop owner on Clive Road, proposed the establishment of an evening market to support vendors during the construction period. She highlighted that the ongoing work has severely impacted their earnings and the livelihoods of many.
The sentiment is shared by Ms. Mary Namuli, who operates a stationery shop on Clive Road. She pointed out that the presence of dust and limited access to her shop has driven away customers. Although efforts are made to water the road and mitigate the dust, it remains a significant concern for local vendors.
The LC1 chairperson of Main Street East Ward Cell, Mr. Henry Batambuze, acknowledged the inconvenience caused by the construction of the business community. He cited the drainage systems work as a particular hindrance to customers’ access to shops.
As a response to the challenging situation, some vendors have relocated to streets unaffected by construction. However, a trade order banning street vending has complicated matters. Vendors are now directed to occupy vacant stalls in the central market, leading to overcrowding and poor conditions in some areas.
Mr. Patrick Balikowa, a market defender, called for the creation of an evening market from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. to accommodate vendors and help them meet their dues. He emphasized that vendors are willing to contribute financially if the city council allows for an evening market to operate.
Mr. Edrisa Bugembe, acting chairperson of produce in the market, critiqued the city council’s planning and implementation of the trade order. He argued that the council should have allocated designated spaces for street vendors before enforcing the ban, to prevent the current difficulties.
Despite the vendors’ pleas, Jinja South Division Mayor, Mr. Ashraf Nasser, indicated that the trade order’s implementation is unlikely to be revised without a formal council resolution.
As Jinja City continues its journey of urban transformation, striking a balance between development projects and supporting local businesses remains a pressing challenge. The plight of vendors serves as a reminder of the intricate dynamics between infrastructure development and the livelihoods of those directly impacted.
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