Abia state governor, Dr. Alex Otti has flagged off the reconstruction and remodeling of Ekeoha Shopping Centre, Aba with an assurance that no shop owner will lose his shop in the course of the rebuilding project.
Flagging off the project at Aba, governor Alex Otti said that the remodeling would be done in phases to ensure minimal effect on traders. He added that government would collaborate with the management of Ekeoha market to ensure a temporary relocation of the traders.
“What we have started today in Ekeoha is to signpost our readiness to open a new vista in our infrastructure restoration programme.
“Let me give you my word that nobody will be short-changed because this is our collective project.
” Government has taken very proactive steps to secure temporary accommodation for the traders who do their day-to-day businesses here.
” It must also be noted that this remodeling is going to be in phases to ensure order and minimum difficulty to traders and customers
“. We are interested in the growth and prosperity of our business community and one of the fundamental efforts that must be made in this regard is to make the environment safe, secured and friendly.
“We have set up a Project Management Committee to see that there is process transparency, and guarantee that every party meets its obligation, as well as resolve disputes that may arise from time to time.” Gov. Otti stated.
The state chief executive disclosed that his decision to go ahead with this remodelling project is an eloquent testimony of his readiness to make the markets in Aba, 24-hour business hubs with state-of-the-art facilities and adequate security as well as providing conducive business environment for customers.
He said that the project would be driven by Public-Private Partnership anchored on a robust stakeholder-engagement and consultation framework, adding that the government’s role in the venture is to protect the interests of the people.
Speaking also, the Speaker, Abia State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Emmanuel Emeruwa emphasised that no legitimate shop owner would lose his shop, adding that the governor wants to improve the trading environment of the traders. He urged the developer to work and complete the project in line with the specific duration given him.
Also, the member representing Isialangwa North and South Federal constituency, Chief Ginger Onwusibe thanked the governor for the remodeling project of the market. He said that the governor has a lot in his coffers for the people and solicited the support of all to the governor.
The Commissioner for Trade, Commerce and Industry, Dr. Chimezie Ukaegbu stressed that there was need to remodel the market and assured that at completion, the market would open up new opportunities for traders and serve as a catalyst to the development of Aba.
He said it would be reconstructed in phases and called on traders to embrace the changes in the market and all stakeholders to support the project.
In their speeches, the Mayor of Aba South, Chief Uche Nwogu and the ASMATA President, Chief A E Udeigbo appreciated the governor for the projects in Aba . They expressed happiness that no one who owns shop would lose his shop in the course of the remodeling of the market
Earlier, the developer of the market remodeling project, Engineer Chinedu Onyeizu said that the remodeling of the Ekeoha Ultra Modern Market is a major milestone as it shows the unwavering commitment of governor Alex Otti to transform Aba.
He said that he is committed to delivering a world class textile market in Ekeoha, assuring that market would be structured in a way that would have minimal impact on the daily trading of the shop owners. He further informed that vibre optic devices, would be installed while electric lifter , mobile ambulance, mini clinic, fire fighting facility among others would be available in the market.
Azubuike Jinanwa/Divine Nwankwo
Govt. House Press, Umuahia.
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