The International Budget Partnership, an international non-governmental organisation, has called on the Cross River State government to invest in upgrading market infrastructure in the state.
Speaking at a two-day training workshop for market traders in Calabar, senior programme coordinator for Tax Equity Chika Okoh highlighted the poor conditions of many markets in the state.
Okoh cited issues such as poor sanitation and hygiene, inadequate security, lack of functional toilets and waste management systems, insufficient lighting and power supply, and poor drainage and flood control systems.
The NGO stated that these poor conditions have negatively impacted traders and customers, leading to loss of business and revenue, health risk due to poor sanitation, hygiene, insecurity and risk of theft.
The NGO urged the state government to quickly invest in market infrastructure, improve waste management and sanitation, enhance security measures, and provide better amenities for traders and customers.
Okoh emphasized that upgrading market amenities will improve the business environment, increase revenue, and enhance the quality of life for traders and customers.
The workshop, attended by market women and men, civil society organisations, and other stakeholders, called for urgent action by the state government to address market infrastructure decay.
“We heard from the market women from far places across the state that they lack the basic amenities in the markets that still need to be done.
“Amenities like toilets, water, dilapidated building, people selling outside yet they pay levies.
“This has a negative impact on the way men and women conduct their businesses in a place that is supposed to be a friendly business environment.
” The implication of it is that instead of them growing their businesses, the reverse is the case.” the programme coordinator maintained.
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