Abia State Governor, Alex Otti has flagged off the formal remodelling of the Ekeoha Market in Aba, with a promise to the traders that they won’t be shortchanged or made to lose their original shops.
Otti, who gave the assurance in his address to the traders during the flag off of rebuilding of the market, said that the project is a Public-Private Partnership (PPP).
He noted that the market would not be demolished immediately after the flag off as feared by traders, but would be done in phases.
“Again, let me give my words that nobody will be shortchanged because this is our collective project.
“This project has become very necessary to avert an imminent disaster. We remain eternally grateful to God that the ugly event of July 2023 did not cost lives but we must be careful not to overstretch our luck through unnecessary delays,” he said.
He informed the traders that the cost of owning shops in Ekeoha may be upward because of the current cost of building materials but explained that financial leverages would be provided for those genuinely interested in acquiring shops.
The new market, according to Otti, would on completion, have CCTV cameras for the safety of traders and their customers, as well as regular power supply, among other facilities.
“I am aware that there is discomfort amongst a certain section of traders about the cost of the project and this is understandable in view of the challenging economic realities in the land.
“At any rate, it is also important for us to understand that the new structures will be much bigger, better and more modern than what we had before now”, said Otti.
On Tuesday, a group of traders from Ekeoha Market, led by Chris Uruakpa and Tochukwu Oguguo stormed the Abia State House of Assembly, Umuahia, to stage a peaceful protest.
The traders, who lifted their placards during the protest at the Assembly complex, said that they were in support of Abia State government’s remodelling of their market, but expressed fears that the original owners may lose their shops or be out-priced after the completion of the reconstruction.
Market remodelling: ‘We won’t shortchange you’ – Otti addresses traders’ fears