Residents of Hian Urge Authorities to Complete and Modernize Hain Market to Boost Local Economy

Residents of Hain have called on the Jirapa Municipal Assembly and the central government to expedite the completion and upgrade of the Hain Market, transforming it into a vibrant 24-hour economic hub. The market project, initiated in 2000 under the Jubilee Market Programme, was aimed at modernizing infrastructure, strengthening the local economy, and increasing Internally Generated Funds (IGF) for the municipality. However, more than two decades later, the project remains unfinished, with residents expressing frustration over its prolonged neglect.

Despite being re-awarded in 2024 under the World Bank-funded SOCO project, the Hain Market continues to languish in an incomplete state. The delay has raised concerns among community members, who argue that the market’s development is long overdue and essential for local economic growth.

Speaking at a recent press conference in Hain, Mr. Joseph Viele, Chairman of the Hain Zonal Council, highlighted the market’s significance, noting that it remains the highest contributor to the Jirapa Municipal Assembly’s IGF. Viele emphasized that completing and upgrading the facility would not only increase revenue but also establish the market as a key 24-hour trading center, fostering economic activities around the clock.

Residents, including local leaders and traders, underscored the importance of the project. The Chief of Lang-uollo in Jirapa Municipality, Imoro Abdul-Kaweu, lamented that Hain Market has never been equipped with modern, well-structured facilities. Instead, it has been characterized by temporary stalls and open spaces that have persisted for generations. Abdul-Kaweu condemned the continued neglect, describing it as unjust and a disservice to the community that sustains the local economy.

He further stated that the people of Hain are no longer merely pleading for development but are now demanding tangible action. The community’s call for the completion and modernization of the market underscores the broader need for infrastructural investment to uplift local economies and improve livelihoods in the region.

As the project remains incomplete after more than two decades, residents and local leaders alike are urging authorities to prioritize the development of Hain Market, turning it into a catalyst for economic prosperity and community growth.