No going back on closure of Aba waterside market – Abia government

The Abia State government has stated that the closure of the Waterside abattoir and Ahia Udele market, along Ikot Ekpene Road, Aba is permanent.

John Okiyi Kalu, the state’s commissioner for Trade and Investment, who met with traders of the closed markets in Umuahia informed them that the closure as directed by Governor Okezie Ikpeazu is aimed at safeguarding life and preservation of public health.

Okiyi-Kalu, who expressed the deep pains and sympathy of the government to the traders over the accident that claimed four lives Thursday, last week, informed them that Governor Ikpeazu has directed the ministry to ensure that the medical bills of injured persons are settled by the government.

He highlighted the efforts made by the government to relocate the market particularly, because of safety concerns raised by relevant agencies with a new Abattoir already under construction at Omumauzor in Ukwa West Local Government Area (LGA).

The commissioner, who was joined by Michael Egwu, permanent secretary of the ministry and other directors, informed the traders that the closure was permanent.

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He further stated that Ikpeazu, has directed the executives of Good Morning market in Aba to allow displaced traders from Ahia Udele to take up vacant shops in the market immediately without demanding rent from them for at least 3 months in order to make them settle with ease and continue their businesses with minimal or no challenge.

He therefore directed the director of Commerce in the Ministry and the chairman of Good Morning Market Committee to supervise the allocation of spaces and smooth resettlement of the displaced traders and report back to him thereafter.

On the movement of cattle market to the Omumauzor facility, Okiyi-Kalu assured the traders that the ministry is already grading the road to the location, while the Governor has directed the state ministry of works to commence full reconstruction of the road using rigid pavement technology

Responding, the traders thanked the government for the swift response to the distress calls made when the accident occurred, Thursday and assured that they will partner with the government to ensure seamless relocation and resettlement of all the concerned traders.