By Ijendu Iheaka
Aba (Abia) – Traders in Ochendo Industrial Market, an arm of Ariaria Market, Aba, have called on Gov. Okezie Ikpeazu of Abia to upgrade the market’s infrastructure, to further strengthen its contribution to the state’s economy.
They also urged the governor to extend the ongoing rehabilitation of roads in Ariaria International market to their zone, to enable them take out and bring in goods.
The Chairman of the Industrial Market, Mr Kelechi Gabriel, disclosed this in an interview with newsmen in Aba after Ikpeazu visited Ariaria market.
Gabriel noted that they the traders had been cut off from major links in Ariaria by bad roads, adding that the extension of the ongoing rehabilitation of roads in the market would enliven their businesses.
He said that the Ochendo leather parts market produced the raw materials used for the production of shoes, bags and belts in Aba, hence its importance to leather producers.
He noted that leaving its road in bad state would be counter-productive and reduce the Aba leather product manufacturers’ daily output.
Gabriel urged the government to continue its campaign for made-in-Aba goods, stressing that it would help to improve the state’s internally generated revenue and create more jobs.
He expressed happiness at the increased infrastructure development going on in Aba and pledged the traders’ support for the governor’s second term bid.
Gabriel said Aba’s business environment needed to get an infrastructure boost to increase its productive capacity.(NAN)