Abakaliki – Abakaliki traders in Abakpa Main Market on Monday decried the demolition of their stalls by the state government.
Some of the traders told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) during the demolition that they were not formally informed
to relocate from the market before the exercise started.
Mr Ifeanyi Abara, one of the respondents, said:“Its proper for government to put in place facilities that will boost the market.
“On the other hand, it is good for government to equally notify us to relocate.” Abara said.
Another respondent, Jacob Nwaofoke, frowned at the sudden demolition of their attachment to stalls explaining that the market association did not at anytime notify about the decision to embark on the exercise.
“We were called by 3 p.m. and on getting to my shop, I saw my goods destroyed.
“We were not given any notice to relocate and now my goods are destroyed; this is my source of income and it from this that I feed my family.” he said.
Mr Jame Madu said that the traders were not against government developing the market, adding however, that it was proper and better to inform the public.
“We are not against government developing the market, becuase it will make it better for all of us. So, it is better to inform traders
before taking his kind of action.
“Imagine the way our women and old mothers are running up and down to secure their goods, “Nwofoke noted.
Meanwhile, Mr Ogodoali Nomie, the Commissioner for Environment, who monitored the demolition, told newsmen that the action was aimed at improving the market and providing street lights, trees and other facilities to improve the environment.
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According to him, the repositioning of the market was to upgrade its standard and make it comparable to other markets in the country.
“The state government wants a standard market with modern facilities that would benefit Ebonyi people and I can assure you that government gave the traders adequate notice before beginning this exercise
“We are reconstructing the roads, planting trees and repositioning the market for people to enjoy the environment of their shops.
“On July 25, we made an announcement urging traders who sell on the streets to relocate to Ekeba market, poultry and goat sellers to
relocate to Garki Cattle Market in the capital city.
NAN reports that only the attached structures and stalls were demolished while poultry and goat sellers were relocated. (NAN)
