No fewer than 1000 shops of Ogbaru Main Market, Onitsha in Anambra state with goods worth billions of Naira are in imminent danger of destruction by flood following failed drainage channel in the area.
A drainage known as “Sakamori” built to control flood along Onitsha/Asaba Express Road at the Upper Iweka area of Onitsha has collapsed, threatening lives of traders at the market, artisans and passersby alike.
A part of the drainage caved as a result of the early rains of the year and watchers think the resulting flood from the collapse may eventually affect the pedestrian bridge in the vicinity.
Already seven shops in the market have been affected following the collapse of the slab built on the drainage channel washed away by the flood.
The President General of Ogbaru Main Market, Chief Ndubuisi Ochiogu has once agaiy called on the Federal Road Maintenance Agency (FERMA) and state government to repair the collapsed portion of Sakamori beside the market.
According to Ochiogu, already the situation is about to destroy 1,000 shop with goods worth billions of naira and render the traders who have paid government revenue jobless.
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” I am still appealing to FERMA and state government to come to our rescue by immediate commencement of work on the failed portion of the Sakamori and save the entire market from being taken over by flooding, especially now that the rainy season has set in,” he said.
Meanwhile, in order to solidify the security of the market, Ochiogu said he has commenced another phase of installation of solar lights within and streets around the market.
He said that some of the solar lights were already installed at the various strategic areas within and around the market.
According to him, some stakeholders and friends of the market are behind the few installed solar lights already when they noticed his plans to embark on such project within and around the market.
“Anytime I want to embark on a project in this market, so many people would like to support me. These solar lights were donated by some stakeholders and my friends in the market. I deemed it imperative that light is a security on its own.
“It compliments our security men and reduces pocket crimes along Obodoukwu Road. It is expected that the whole installation will be completed by June ending this year,” Ochiogu said.
