The Etekwini Municipality has presented plans for the reconstruction project of the Bangladesh Market, which will include expanding the food court, constructing canopies, and installing new stalls. The total cost of the project is 2 million rands.
The district advisor, Tony Govender, stated that the project implementation is scheduled for the current fiscal year, covering the period from July 2026 to June 2027, utilizing funds from the capital expenditure budget.
Govender noted that in the previous fiscal year (2025/2026), the Bangladesh Market received a budget of 2 million rands, but only lighting works were completed, as other planned activities were not implemented due to numerous issues from the municipality, lacking accountability.
He added that another 2 million rands have been allocated for the current fiscal year, but these funds may be insufficient to cover all the needs of the project presented by the architectural department.
The plans involve the complete modernization of the existing market, including the standardization of trading stalls, as well as the installation of a new covered canopy over the open area and the setup of new sanitary facilities.
Govender specified that the food court will be increased by three meters, and ventilation openings will be installed so that traders and buyers can spend time comfortably during the summer.
Furthermore, canopies will be installed over the poultry area and open spaces near the market entrance, where vendors are forced to work exposed to the weather without protection.
The stalls will be renovated to a uniform standard and equipped with overnight storage areas. The toilet will also be repaired, and an additional sanitary area will be built so that elderly traders do not have to walk long distances to the restrooms.
After the completion of the works, a key objective will be to promote the market as a tourist attraction and a preferred shopping destination for local residents, which in turn should stimulate the local economy in Chatsworth.