Business Operators Ask For Time On Umuahia Market Relocation

Business operators at Isigate in Umuahia have appealed to the Abia State government to avail them time before executing its plan to relocate them to the Relief Market in Afaraukwu.

The operators spoke with LEADERSHIP Weekend yesterday after the government announced the relocation plan, saying they don’t want to be caught unaware.

A foodstuff dealer, Achama Ogbu, said, “I recall what I passed through when a past government suddenly started pushing us out from the then Umuahia Central Market.”

A meat seller, Abraham Ifeanyi, who said the relocation was apt, added that such information would give them ample time to prepare to move to the new market with less hassle.

“I think it is necessary for us to know the deadline so that those who may not want to relocate there will choose where to go on time,” said a kitchen utensils dealer, Ben Orji.
The state’s commissioner for Information, Okey Kanu had while briefing the media on the outcome of this week’s state Executive Council meeting announced the plan that “The government is on the cusp of relocating the illegal Isigate Market to Afaraukwu. The initiative includes the construction of bus shelters within Umuahia, among others.
“The relocation is geared towards decongesting Isigate and making way for the new bus terminal and other transport and beautification projects around that part of the capital city.”