The Minister of Local Government and Rural Development, Dr. Ben Malunga Phiri has commissioned the construction of a modern market in Area 1, near Devil Street Market in Lilongwe, in a move aimed at boosting agricultural trade and improving market infrastructure for farmers.
The project is being funded by IFAD through the OPEC Fund under the TRADE Programme.
Once completed, the two-storey facility will include cold storage facilities and a first aid clinic, providing a safer and more inclusive trading environment for vendors and buyers.
Speaking on Saturday during the ground-breaking ceremony, Dr. Phiri said the development is at the heart of Professor Arthur Peter Mutharika’s vision to see modern markets constructed across the country to provide farmers with better platforms to sell their produce.
“This is a promise of transformation for the youth and farmers. It is a promise of opportunities beyond politics,” Phiri said.
He urged residents and market users to take ownership of the facility to ensure its sustainability.
“More often we lament that Government is not giving us infrastructure projects. Here we are today, a milestone to live for a generation to come. The question is, are we ready to take ownership of these facilities and safeguard them against vandalism? Are we going to ensure cleanliness and manage them responsibly through our local committees?” he asked.
The Minister reminded stakeholders that the success of the markets will depend not only on contractors and TRADE Programme staff, but also on community stewardship.
Similar markets will also be constructed in Nkhatabay, Mzuzu, Dedza, Thyolo, Blantyre, Lilongwe and Chitipa.
Construction in all the districts has already commenced.
IFAD Country Director, Ms. Bernadette Mukonyora, hailed government for being proactive in ensuring the project takes shape.
“We want to make sure that farmers are given a platform that is sustainable so that their produce finds better markets through these infrastructures,” she said.
She added that IFAD remains committed to transforming livelihoods and delivering visible, lasting impact.
National Programme Coordinator for TRADE, Ms. Barbara Ntapara said stakeholders are working together to ensure the project is completed within the stipulated 24 months.
“TRADE is committed to delivering as stipulated in the project documents and giving a better life to the beneficiaries of these facilities,” she said.
Government says the new markets will not only support farmers and traders, but will also give a new face to councils, most of which will be built on idle land that is currently underutilized.
The Ministry expects the facilities to stand as infrastructure that will serve as a legacy for generations to come.
