Mutfwang Visits Katako Market Traders, Pledges Remodelling

Our reporter

Governor Caleb Mutfwang has promised to remodel the Katako market in Jos North LGA of Plateau State, which was recently gutted by fire.

The governor disclosed this during an on-the-spot assessment of the extent of damage caused by the fire outbreak that occurred on the night of Sunday, November 17, 2024.

The governor who was visibly distressed by the inferno, expressed gratitude to God that no lives were affected in the incident.

Gov. Mutfwang, who was in the company of top government functionaries, sympathized with the injured and those who lost their properties, acknowledging the enormous hardship the fire has brought on the affected traders and their families.

Disturbed by the recurring devastation, Gov. Mutfwang emphasized that the fire occurred at a time when residents were already grappling with significant economic challenges.

He, however, assured the traders that the government in collaboration with the Jos North local government and the market leadership would develop plans to revitalize and remodel the market into a safer, more organised and habitable trading hub.

While commending the security agencies, the Fire Service and public-spirited individuals for their efforts in containing the fire, Gov. Mutfwang pledged to address the trader’s demand for improved infrastructure to minimize future reoccurrence.

Said he: “Very soon, we will unveil our plans for the Terminus Market and other markets across the state to make them more functional and effective.

“We aim to provide safe environments for all traders to earn a decent living for themselves, their families, and the state.”

He added that the vision of the state government was to expand the market facilities to prevent congestion and improve accessibility emphasizing that when these plans are unveiled, people would find them progressive and beneficial.

 Speaking on behalf of the traders, the Chairman of the Katako Market, Alh. Sani Umar appreciated the Governor for the visit describing it as timely and highlighted some of the long-standing challenges facing the traders.

He recalled that the market had suffered 39 fire incidents and attributed the reoccurrence to a lack of fire-fighting equipment, inadequate water supply and poor market layout.

He informed the governor that the affected sections of the market comprising the wood, clothing and carpenter stalls were destroyed with property worth millions of naira lost in the fire

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