The Governor of Abia state, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu, has revealed his plans to relocate grocery traders at the former Umuahia main market also known as Isi Gate to a more suitable and conducive environment within the state capital.

The Governor, while on inspection of the former main market, revealed to the traders that there is an on-going market project at Amuzukwu, Ibeku in Umuahia North Local Government Area of the state where he said the market stalls, after completion, will be occupied by the traders of perishable goods and commodities.

He regretted the current state of the city centre and the risk at which the traders are exposed to, saying that the newly built market stalls have been provided with both male and female conveniences, water borehole, stores, good road network and had been made conducive for traders of all kinds of perishable goods. He also said that traders of used clothing otherwise known as ‘Okirika’ and bale materials are to move to the Ubani market as provisions have been put in place for them there.

He also revealed that the state government has been

reluctant to dislodge the traders from the former market because of the new market stalls which were yet to be completed and made available, stating that the relocation was necessary as the former Isi Gate which is the city centre has to be made free from traffic congestion and filth. The Governor further urged the traders to co-operate with the state government as it has the interest of the citizens at heart.

Earlier, Chief Emma Nwabuko, revealed that the new market stalls will be ready in the next two weeks as the Governor has made financial provisions for the completion of the market stalls sited at Amuzukwu Ibeku. He also said that the new location of the market was suitable for its intended purpose so as to ease traffic at the Isi Gate area.

He commended the Governor whom he said believes in trade and commerce, and promised to deliver on the given task.