Aba Mega Mall to host electronics, security and ICT devices dealers, others

Aba Mega Mall, promoted by Greenfield Assets Management Limited, an indigenous infrastructure development firm, has been designated as the host location for traders presently occupying St. Micheal’s Road, Hospital Road, Ngwa Road, Azikiwe Road, Pound Road, Park Road, Asa triangle, Faulks Road and Park 1 and 2 in Ariaria International Market, as Abia State Government begins relocation of illegal markets in the commercial city.

This relocation exercise covers dealers on electronics and electrical fittings, GSM phones and accessories; computers and accessories; security and ICT devices and fire safety equipment.

This development is in line with the avowed determination and commitment of Governor Okezie Ikpeazu, to regenerate Aba and arrest the deplorable state of the markets in the commercial city.

Consequently, the Governor set up the Abia State Markets Development Committee with the objective of identifying illegal markets and markets that constitute environmental and security hazards for immediate relocation to more suitable sites.

BUSINESSDAY gathered that the Market Committee in furtherance of this objective, reached out to the management of Aba Mega Mall with the view of relocating the first set of lucky traders to the top class facility, which has over 1,000 air conditioned stores in a serene environment, backed with independent power supply, good treated water, security, waste management and excellent conveniences.

In order to make the movement of the traders as stress free as possible, the markets committee negotiated with the management of Aba Mega Mall and was able to get some concessions for the first traders to move into the site.

Such concessions include rent free period to enable the traders settle in, store rental and acquisition rates that are below the going rate for such grade A facility, mortgage options and flexible payment structure.

The Markets Development Committee is fully resolved to rid Aba of all markets located in residential areas in order to restore the lost glory of the city. The objective of the government is to bring sanity, order and development to Aba, by rebuilding the roads, drainages and ensure proper waste collection and treatment systems.

These markets have become eyesores constituting major environmental, traffic and security threats to the residents and visitors to the city.

The Management of Aba Mega Mall stated that they saw the urgent need for the urban transformation of Aba, hence their decision to invest in the city, by developing a world class shopping facility.

They praised the state government for her determination to restore the city of Aba, as the major commercial hub, east of the Niger.

They  also stated that the first 1,000 stores of Aba Mega Mall are ready, while work is about to commence on the second phase of 3,000 stores, which will come with 30,000sqm warehouse, hotel, amusement park, cinema and container terminal.

They further said that Aba Mega Mall will provide an orderly and decent environment for traders, shoppers and visitors to carry out their business.

The Abia State Markets Development Committee in their public announcement strongly advised that all traders in the designated locations are to move to Aba Mega Mall on or before May 1, 2016 and all traders concerned are advised to liaise with the market committee to obtain the store allocation forms immediately.

 

GODFREY OFURUM