Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Malam Muhammad Musa Bello, has ordered the reopening of the Olajumoke Akinjide Shopping Arcade, Dutse-Alhaji, four days after the market was shut down for gross violation of the land use act.
The senior special assistant to the FCT minister on Monitoring, Inspection, and Enforcement, Comrade Ikharo Attah, who led a team yesterday, to inspect the level of compliance, announced that business will resume on Friday but not without a promise to return to the market whenever reports of further violations are discovered.
Attah who noticed some bleeding points advised shop owners to prevent hawkers and petty traders from erecting attachments around their shops.
He also warned the market management to desist from allocating parts of staircases and other corners that affect free movement within the market.
Earlier, the FCT minister directed that upon the intensive cleanup by the traders and management, the Jumoke Shopping complex be reopened with effect from Friday morning, saying that the traders can commence trading.
He said that he was satisfied with the cleanup done in the market, to ensure the safety and compliance to the AEPB as well as the urban and regional planning rules.
He added that the market is open for business.
Some of the shop owners who expressed excitement over the development commended the FCTA for its intervention with a pledge to ensure the complex retains its original building plans.
A cosmetic dealer at the market, Alhaji Nura Umar while appreciating the FCTA for heeding their appeal to reopen the market said, “Initially we felt bad when the market was first shut down, but at the end of the day we are the first beneficiaries of this clean and sane environment.”
The vice chairman of the market, Mrs Christiana Eze, blamed the market managers for allocating every available corner and space to petty traders and assured that going forward the traders will own the market and protect it from all forms of contraventions.
The FCTA while shutting down the market on Monday, had promised to reopen it when it is convinced the traders and operators have done the needful in cleaning and maintaining their premises.
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