ZOMBO, UGANDA: Authorities in Paidha Town Council, Zombo district say they expect to raise a local revenue worth up to 72 million Ugandan shillings per annum from the newly constructed 30 lockup shops around Paidha Main market.
The new lockup shops have been constructed by Wimpsi Construction Company Limited at a cost of Ugx 343,616,900 billion Ugandan shillings with a grant from the United Nations Capital Development Fund (UNCDF) with an aim of enhancing the livelihoods of women, and youth participating in agricultural produce and other merchandise also addressing Refugee challenges.
The project according to district leaders targets to increase the population of vendors from the current 507 to about 800 to 1000 vendors believed to operating in the main market that attracts businessmen and women from as far as Lira, Gulu, Arua, Madi-Okolo, Pakwach, Nebbi Kitgum, Kiryadongo, DR. Congo and South Sudan, among others.
Mr Mudua Joel, the Deputy Head of Office at UNCDF said the structures should compel vendors into value addition of agricultural products such as Potatoes, Tomatoes, Cabbages, Maize, beans and onions among others.
“We are ready to support you financially to see that you develop and alleviate poverty,” said Mudua.
Mr Onega Innocent LCIII Chairperson of Paidha Town Council revealed that they had lost revenue for the months the project is being implemented because the previous dilapidated shops were demolished ” I request your office to immediately commission the structures to allow beneficiaries to begin operations and save the local revenue projections of the town council”
Mr Oyullu James Oruna LCV chairperson of Zombo District applauded government of Uganda for its sharp lobbying abilities and partnering with European Union in implementing different poverty alleviation programs under UNCDF and DINO
The Minister of Northern Uganda Ms Kwiocwiny Grace Freedom challenged the different authorities to enhance their capacity and prioritize value addition of the traditional and dominant crops such as coffee, bananas and Irish potatoes.
The Minister also hailed the commitment of the people of Kiruhura in familiarizing and providing domestic market for milk, asked the people of Zombo to think of what they can supply for Uganda and promised actualisation of the construction of the Tea factory in Abanga – Zeu
Paidha was elevated to town council status in 1984 since then the market has been generating the greatest percentage of local revenue, now with a population of 507 vendors,380 females and 127 males.
Currently, local revenue collection per annum in the town council stands at 200 million Ugandan shillings while the UNCDF project visions a population of 800 to 1000 vendors in the market after the completion of the second phase of the project.
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