By Correspondent in Jos.
Plateau Government on Wednesday, approved the reconstruction of the Jos Main Market gutted by fire in 2002.
The Commissioner for Information and Communication, Mr Dan Manja, told newsmen at the end of the state’s executive council meeting in Jos that the market would be reconstructed through a public-private partnership with Jaiz Bank.
“The bank will finance the project at no cost to the state government.
“Jaiz Bank Plc. made an offer to the government, listing three options for consideration, for a public-private partnership in the development of the market and the cabinet adopted one.
“It will be developed in three main blocks and shell fenced up to three floors, totalling 4,231 shops,’’ the commissioner said
He said government was committed to complete the reconstruction of the market to boost the economy of the state and fulfil Governor Simon Lalong’s campaign promise for economic rebirth.
Speaking further on the reconstruction project, the supervising Commissioner for Commerce and Industry, Mr Idris Gambo, said the signing of the joint venture would be completed within few days for work to begin.
He said the bank assured government of completing the project within 12 months, saying that it had embarked on similar projects in Kaduna States for 13 markets and in Enugu, Kano and Niger States among others.
In addition, the Commissioner for Justice Mr Chrysanthus Ahmadu, explained that the partnership with Jaiz Bank would benefit the state and also its subscribers, explaining that interest would not accumulate in the payment for the shops for years.
He said cabinet also approved the Bill for Plateau State Independent Peace and Security Trust Fund to enable government to effectively perform its Constitutional function of protecting lives and properties, by providing a ready pool of funds to support security agencies.
“We want to have an institutional framework where we have a trust fund which contributors, development partners, international organisations can support with grants, from which the needs of security agencies will be met from time to time,’’ he said.
Ahmadu said that the model had worked in Kaduna and Lagos states, adding that it was being adopted as part of efforts to stimulate internally-generated revenue and attract more investors through creating an enabling and secured environment for businesses.
The Reporters recalls that the ultramodern market was further hit by twin bomb blast in 2014 and was demolished by the state government in 2019 with the promise of early reconstruction.
Meanwhile, the state cabinet has condemned the rising spate of insecurity in the country, particularly the Kaduna-Abuja train attack but commended the gallantry of security agencies in containing the situation.
It also commended the Plateau United Football Club for its performance at various outings while expressing delight of the hosting rights of the University of Jos for the 2024 edition of the Nigeria Universities Games.
