Kano — The Kano State government says when the Kanawa Economic City project is completed; the world class market would boost the image of the state in terms of business and economy to an all-time record. The project, which costs the government no less than N15.5 billion, is already taking shape.

The state Commissioner of Commerce, Industries and Tourism, Alhaji Ahmad Ibrahim Yakasai, stated this in an exclusive chat with LEADERSHIP. He said the market is the first of its kind in the entire West African sub-region "because it is like five markets in one."

According to him, the project will bring many goodies to the state in terms of revenue generation, employment opportunities, beautification and enhanced economic viability.

He said the N15 billion earlier budgeted for the market might be increased to about N18 billion due to margin differences occasioned by the global economic recession.

Yakasai disclosed that when completed, the market will have 15,000 stalls for retail merchants and 78 large warehouses for bulk goods. Other facilities include four fuel stations, banks, two motels, a fire station and a police station.

The commissioner explained that the market was deliberately sited in the outskirts of Kano for the inner town to be decongested.

Yakasai said the main purpose of the new market is to serve as new site for the famous foodstuff market, Kwanar Singa.

He stated that clearing of the site is completed with construction of 10 kilometer concrete roads for heavy-duty trucks, as well as side culverts reaching 70 percent completion stage. According to him, the road network is constructed in a manner that it will last long, adding that the culverts will also be covered with concrete slaps.

Yakasai stated that N450 million was expended on compensation to the affected people of the area, while the government donated plots of land for them to erect new houses.

"Government constructed a new primary school for them and also feeder roads, all in a bid to compensate them properly," he stated.

The commissioner further explained that the work would be in phases, with the final phase projected to be completed by 2011. He said by the end of this year, 5, 000 stalls are expected to be completed.