COVID-19: Anambra begins fumigation of markets

 Anamba State Government on Tuesday commenced the fumigation of major markets in the state.

The State Governor, Chief Willie Obiano, had in a recent update broadcast on the palliative measures being put in place to curb the spread of COVID-19 in the state, hinted that the 63 markets in the state will be fumigated.

Flagging off the exercise on behalf of the Governor, the Commissioner for Health, Dr Vincent Okpala, said that the fumigation exercise will prevent the spread of Coronavirus and tackle rodents and germs responsible for Lassa fever and other diseases as well.

According to him, the fumigation will be done with diluted sodium hypochloride in line with the provisions of the World Health Organization (WHO).

He said: “The fumigation exercise started with Onitsha Main Market and will continue until all the major markets are covered. This will not only aid the fight against Coronavirus, but it will also eradicate disease spreading germs and rodents from the markets.”

Also speaking at the flag-off, the Commissioner of Trade and Commerce, Uchenna Okafor, thanked Anambra people, especially the market leaders and traders for cooperating with the state government.

While noting that the level of compliance to the directive is commendable, Okafor lauded the State Government for leading the battle against Coronavirus from the front.

The Commissioner maintained that the closure of markets, schools and other public places in the state were all aimed at preventing the spread of the virus.

He added that the choice of Onitsha main market as the start-off point is significant because it serves as a hub for West and Central Africa, being the largest market in the zone.

On his part, the President-General of Anambra State Markets Amalgamated Traders Association (ASMATA), Chief Ik Ekwegbalu, hailed the state government for fumigating the markets.

He also thanked traders for heeding government’s instructions of closure and ‘stay-at-home’, stressing that Anambra will win the battle against COVID-19.