15/06/2021
Abia State government has performed a foundation laying ceremony for the reconstruction and remodeling of shops for the Ngwa Road market, Ahịa Ọhụrụ, Aba.
Speaking at the event, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Trade and investment, Chief Michael Egwu, who represented the Executive Governor Dr. Okezie Victor Ikpeazụ, assured the traders that nobody will loose his shop as a result of the reconstructions. He said within 8 weeks, the first phase of Lines 1 & 2 would be completed.
Chief Egwu used the opportunity to appreciate the elders of the market for agreeing to stop agitations and be on the same page with the State government. He assured the traders that the cost of renewing their shop ownership in the new shops would not be a burden to them, informing that government has discussed and agreed with their leaders on the amount which would be disclosed to them. The Permanent Secretary saluted the vision of Governor Okezie Ikpeazu in developing and showcasing Abia State in various sectors of the economy including markets and solicitated continuous support of all to the administration.
Also speaking, the Developer of the market and Managing Director, Peacock Urban Regeneration Ltd., Dr. Uju Anosionwu urged the traders to accept the little discomfort they may have in the interim assuring that in the next 7 weeks the first phase would be completed while the entire construction would be completed by December this year.
The developer disclosed that the market which would be beautifully constructed would have such
facilities as clinic & maternity, fire-proofer, car parking space, offgrid uninterrupted power supply, CCTV security system, central preservation cold rooms, conveniences among others. He called on the traders to pick their forms and assured that they would not loose their shops while soliciting their cooperation.
In his speech, the Chairman, Ngwa Road Market Traders Association Mr. Chijindu Ojogho said they are happy with the decision of the government to reconstruct the market with modern facilities. He thanked the Governor for the assurances that no single shop owner would loose his shop and urged the Governor to make do his promise for them as the traders are committed to supporting his policies.
Earlier, the traditional ruler of the Ohazu Ancient kingdom, Eze Sunday Emejiaka enjoined his subjects to endure for a little as the work is being done in phases. He urged them to cooperate with government while calling on the contractor to work in line with specifications and speedly too to enable the shop owners resume their businesses in no distance time as well as appreciated the State Governor for his resolve to bequeath to the people a befitting market with modern facilities.