ALBERT MARKET FEASIBILITY STUDY OPG

Washington Foundation (BTWF) to determine the feasibility of renovating and expanding the Albert Market, The Gambia"s major market. BTWF will assemble a U.S.-Gambian research team consisting of economists, marketing specialists, anthropologists, urban planners, sociologists, architects, and engineers. The researchers will focus on the entrepreneurial and employment impact of proposed changes to the Market compared to the status quo. Proposed changes include: (1) rehabilitation of the existing market and addition of a new 40,000 sq. ft. covered area; (2) a new covered market, followed by an evaluation of the need to repair existing facilities; (3) a new 19,440 sq. ft. covered market to accomodate meat and fish only, stalls for fruits, vegetables, and cereals, and the repair of existing sanitation facilities; (4) a new 19,440 sq. ft. covered addition and repair of existing facilities; (5) a new 7,200 sq. ft. covered addition and repair of existing facilities; and (6) rehabilitation of existing facilities only. For each option, the researchers will determine its impact on the poor; on present users in terms of costs, space allocation, increased competition, and marketing techniques; on revenues; whether traditional marketing patterns will be negatively affected; and whether new marketing systems and practices will be accepted. Also, the researchers will consider sanitation and other environmental and health factors in their analysis. Current market functions will be examined, including use patterns, management practices, space allocation techniques, expenses per sq. ft., and availability of special facilities (storage space, refrigeration, water facilities, etc.). Data collection techniques will include examination of secondary source data, onsite assessments, and interviews with vendors, customers, suppliers, producers, managers, and government officials. The final steps will be to select the best option, develop preliminary architectural and engineering plans, and identify possible contractors. Similar information will be prepared for the other options as well.