FISH-TOWN, River Gee County – Residents of the Bassa Community in Fish-Town have received a major boost to local commerce following the dedication and handover of a newly constructed mini market hall by Representative Isaac Boye Choloplay Wuo of River Gee County Electoral District #2.
The facility, officially turned over to the River Gee County Marketing Association during a ceremony on Wednesday, July 29, was financed entirely through Representative Wuo’s personal resources. The event was attended by community residents, marketers, traditional leaders, and local government officials.
Addressing the gathering, Rep. Wuo explained that the project’s estimated cost was reduced from the initially announced US$30,000 to US$20,000 due to limited land space.
“During the groundbreaking, I announced that the market would cost US$30,000, but because of the limited land available, the cost was reduced to US$20,000. So, who wants the change?” the lawmaker remarked.
Wuo emphasized that the project was not funded through legislative allocations but was undertaken as a personal commitment to fulfill a campaign promise. He noted that although constructing public facilities is not a constitutional responsibility of lawmakers, he chose to finance the project with his own funds to improve the lives of his constituents.
He called on residents and members of the River Gee County Marketing Association to take ownership of the facility by ensuring its proper maintenance and preservation.
Receiving the keys on behalf of the association, County President Madam Comfort Raja Toe expressed gratitude to Representative Wuo for fulfilling his promise. She described the market as a significant investment that will improve trading conditions and promote commerce in the Bassa Community and surrounding areas.
The newly completed market features 14 cement market tables measuring 3 by 6 feet each, storage rooms, and a cement restroom, providing vendors with a safer, cleaner, and more organized trading environment.
For years, traders—predominantly women and young people—operated from makeshift stalls in front of the Gee Foundation Elementary School, where they were exposed to rain and harsh sunlight. Residents say the new market hall addresses a long-standing challenge by providing a secure and dignified place for commerce while supporting local economic development.
