Farmers in Kasiya, Lilongwe now have a new MK3.6 billion market after Minister of Local Government Ben Phiri officially opened Malembo Market on Wednesday.
The facility has been designed to serve around 14,000 people and it was financed by the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD).
Speaking during the handover ceremony, Phiri stated that the modern market will resolve the persistent challenge of farmers lacking access to a reliable and nearby point of sale.
“We are empowering farmers to continue working hard because they will now reduce transportation costs with the coming of this market,” Phiri said.
The minister further commended the traders of Malembo for their cooperation in temporarily relocating to facilitate construction, observing that resistance to change frequently impedes development initiatives.
IFAD Country Director, Bernadette Mukonyora said the facility will strengthen agricultural production and supply chains by driving wider economic growth.
The market, worth over MK3.6 billion was built by SICO Holdings under the Transforming Agriculture through Diversification and Entrepreneurship (TRADE).
