Mbale Food Vendors Benefit from New Tricycles for Merchandise Transport

Over 400 fresh food vendors from Mbale Central Market in the Industrial City Division and Kumi Road Market in the Northern City Division are celebrating a significant boost in their operations after receiving four tricycles to aid in transporting their merchandise.

The tricycles, valued at over 20 million shillings, were donated by TechnoServe, a non-governmental organization, under the Horticulture Market Acceleration Project (HOTIMAP). The project, funded by the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, is designed to support smallholder farmers and fresh food traders across several regions in the country.

During the handover event held at TechnoServe's office in Senior Quarters, Industrial City Division, Sarah Gamisha, the Elgon Region Business Advisor and TechnoServe Coordinator, emphasized that the tricycles will alleviate the transport challenges vendors face when moving fresh produce from rural areas to the markets. She pointed out that the lack of adequate transportation has often resulted in spoilage of perishable items, negatively impacting the vendors' businesses.

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Cassim Mafabi, the Chairperson of Fresh Foods Vendors at Mbale Central Market, expressed gratitude on behalf of his fellow vendors, acknowledging TechnoServe’s continuous support. He highlighted the significance of maintaining the quality of produce, which will be more manageable now with reliable transportation.

Esther Wabalaki, a vendor at Mbale Central Market, shared her experiences of produce spoilage due to transportation difficulties. She is optimistic that the new tricycles will enhance the efficiency of their business operations and ensure the freshness of their merchandise.

The tricycles are expected to bring much-needed relief to the vendors, enabling smooth and timely transportation, crucial for preserving the quality of perishable goods.