Onitsha traders protest plan to build shops at motor park

Traders at the main market, Onitsha, Anambra State yesterday protested alleged plans by the leadership to build shops at the only remaining motor park at the market.

The traders, under the aegis of Progressives Traders Against Congestion, alleged that the market leadership was planning to take advantage of the Christmas and New year break to execute their agenda.

Addressing reporters, spokesman for the traders, Chief Okwuchukwu Nwafor, accused the leadership of planning to extend the normal reopening of the market from January 4 to 15, to enable them complete the buildings.

Traders at the main market, Onitsha, Anambra State yesterday protested alleged plans by the leadership to build shops at the only remaining motor park at the market.

The traders, under the aegis of Progressives Traders Against Congestion, alleged that the market leadership was planning to take advantage of the Christmas and New year break to execute their agenda.

Addressing reporters, spokesman for the traders, Chief Okwuchukwu Nwafor, accused the leadership of planning to extend the normal reopening of the market from January 4 to 15, to enable them complete the buildings.

Nwafor said: “The traders are against building of the shops at the motor park located beside Onitsha Main Market White House, the administrative headquarters of the popular market, because it is the only open and entry space where Fire Service officials can fight fire in case of any disaster.

“The space is also where people can store their salvaged goods in case of any fire disaster that threatens traders’ goods. Building shops at the only remaining park is like telling the traders to leave the market.”

“How can any reasonable market leader conceive the plan of building shops at the only open space in the market, which is already over congested? We appeal to Governor Obiano not to approve such construction of shops if he still loves the traders.” (The Nation)