New Nugegoda market complex to be opened

Minister Basil Rajapaksa inspecting the Fair

Minister Basil Rajapaksa talks to traders. Minister Wimal Weerawansa and Mahinda Kahandagamage look on

The new modern market complex in Nugegoda built at a cost of Rs. 83 million by the Economic Development Ministry will be opened next week.

The suburb of Nugegoda is now on the threshold of a new era.

The development projects now under way are bringing rapid changes to this thickly populated town.

Talking to the Sunday Observer, the Additional Secretary, Coordination and Supervision of the Ministry of Economic Development Nihal Somaweera said, "We are pleased to announce that the people's fair which was highly disorganised for the past two to three decades has now been developed into a customer-friendly environment and we hope the new change would attract more customers and add more value to the Nugegoda city."

"Initially the project was estimated at Rs.73 million and with the additional facilities which was added later, the final project cost rose to Rs.83 million. The new People's Fair has over 130 stalls, a parking space for 30 vehicles and storage facilities for the vendors.

We have also arranged to collect more than 400 litres of rain water in tanks which, would help vendors to wash vegetables, fruits and fish.

A new system has been introduced for waste disposal and the police post closeby will ensure security,"

The same will retain their original stalls, with the selection criteria for new stalls supervised by the trade union.

"The roads in and around the Fair have been carpeted with a platform provided for pedestrians.

The new infrastructure with sanitary facilities, garbage cleaning and water facilities have been given a facelift and a beautiful park with an extent of 7,500 square feet opposite the Railway Station gives it a pleasant atmosphere.

The State Engineering Corporation undertook the rehabilitation under the supervision of Ministry of Economic Development," he further said.

Minister Basil Rajapaksa inspecting the Fair with State Enginering Corporation Chairman Jagath Perera	Inside the Nugegoda Fair
Nugegoda Fair from a distance