The Western Area Rural District Council (WARDC) has handed over a rehabilitated market in Newton to traders and residents, marking the completion of a World Bank-funded project aimed at improving trading conditions, promoting sanitation and reducing street trading in the community.
The rehabilitated facility, which comprises 62 trading tables, was officially handed over during a ceremony attended by council officials, community leaders, traders and residents.
Speaking at the event, Chairman of the Western Area Rural District Council, Kasho J. Holland-Cole, said the market represented an investment in the livelihoods of local traders but stressed that its success would depend on responsible use and effective management.
“The market is for you, but it has rules,” he said.
Chairman Holland-Cole announced that all traders allocated tables would be registered, with records including their names and addresses. He warned that traders who failed to keep their stalls clean or engaged in street trading could lose their allocated spaces.
He said the council would work with the police to enforce market regulations and discourage roadside trading, adding that priority in the allocation of the 62 tables would be given to traders already operating in the market.
According to Mr. Holland-Cole, traders will also be organised according to the nature of their businesses, with fish sellers assigned designated sections to improve hygiene and order.
The council chairman outlined additional plans to install solar lighting, improve the access road and strengthen waste management at the market. He also urged traders to protect the facility, ensure proper sanitation and keep school-age children out of trading activities.
“No one should construct any structure without the approval of the council,” he said, adding that market dues would be collected to support the maintenance of the facility.
Councillor Alimatu H. Kamara, councillor representing the Newton community, described the project as a significant development for local traders and urged residents to make full use of the market.
“This market should not be for decoration. It should be utilised well,” she said, while pledging to support efforts to eliminate street trading. She also called on residents to safeguard the facility, noting that some pump heads installed at the market had previously been stolen.
Hon. Kemokoh Conteh, Member of Parliament representing Western Area Rural District, said the rehabilitated market would benefit not only Newton but also neighbouring communities, including Katy Town, Magbaft and Fogbo.
He described the project as a timely intervention that would strengthen local commerce and provide greater economic opportunities, particularly for women traders.
Chairing the ceremony, Chief Administrator of the Western Area Rural District Council, Peter A. Koroma, said the project was designed to provide traders with a safe and dignified place to conduct business, especially during the rainy season.
“This is principally to help our people during the rains,” he said as he formally handed over the facility to the people of Newton.
Chairlady of the Newton Market Women, Adama Jah, welcomed the project, saying women traders had struggled for years without adequate shelter.
“We are happy to receive this market because we have been struggling,” she said.
Village Head of Newton, Brima Kamara, described the rehabilitated market as a major milestone for the community, saying it would bring relief to traders who had long endured difficult conditions during the rainy season.
The project forms part of broader efforts to improve local infrastructure, create a cleaner trading environment and support sustainable economic development across communities in the district.
