Despite increasing agricultural outputs in Raja County, South Sudan, the main market was inadequate for vendors and customers alike. By constructing a new market with enhanced layout, improved drainage, stalls and latrines, ACTED teams are contributing to the socio-economic recovery of this post-conflict region. On 13th March, the new market was officially handed over to local authorities.
In recent years, South Sudan’s north-western state of Western Bahr el-Ghazal has seen improvements in food security and agricultural outputs, which has lead to a growing reliance on village and city markets. However, the market in Raja town had insufficient drainage, latrines, and waste disposal. Market stalls had no shelter from the elements or raised platforms off the ground. These conditions were not only potential public health risks, but also increased the risk of post-harvest losses for traders.
In August 2013, ACTED initiated a project to construct a new market that would improve conditions and encourage vendors, farmers and customers to buy and sell locally-produced goods, thereby positively contributing towards the socio-economic recovery of post-conflict communities across Raja county.
During this “Quick Impact” project, funded by the UN mission in South Sudan, ACTED worked closely with vendors and local authorities to establish the best possible market design. The layout included individual stalls for 24 market vendors, each one having his/her own space with good quality and durable shelters. Latrines and a community centre were also constructed using locally available products, in particular bricks produced by a youth cooperative established and trained by ACTED. Workshops were also conducted to establish a vendors association which will ensure the continued maintenance of the market after the project.
At the official hand-over ceremony in Raja ACTED’s food security and livelihood program manager, said:
“Raja county authorities have acknowledged the positive results of ACTED’s work in the region, particularly with regards to the empowerment of local women and youth groups. We hope that the new market will help to revitalise the economy here, for traders and customers alike”.