Abia State government has directed the leadership of Ariaria International Market in Aba to clear blocked drainages in the market, within seven days. This is even as the State government has assured that jobs on reconstruction and remodeling of A -line part of the international market are still on course. The directive to clear the blocked drainages was issued by Governor Okezie Ikpeazu, during a meeting between the State government, select market management and other stakeholders of the market.
Ikpeazu who was represented by Chief John Okiyi Kalu, Commissioner for Trade and Investment, explained that his administration was worried by the issues of flooding in the market following three weeks of torrential rains. Abia government advised traders to make use of government approved dump sites and not dumping their refuse inside gutters, as such prevents free flow of water, whenever it rains.
On the ongoing reconstruction and remodeling of A-Line area of the international market, Abia government assured the traders that world-class market project would be delivered by the developer and appealed to the traders for patients and understanding.
Explaining further, the Governor’s representative said “At the moment, the market is on a lower land than Faulks road. So, this is why water from there cannot flow into the gutters.” He continued, “Our work plans includes raising the market so that we can achieve gradient storm flow into the drain.
“The Chairman of the management of the market, Mr Emeka Igara thanked the Governor for conveying the crucial meeting and for his development plans for the market. However, some traders in the market who spoke to News Echo under anonymity urged the government to expedite actions on the A-Line project, urging Governor Ikpeazu to direct the developers handling the remodeling contracts to complete them at record time.