Timber and building materials dealers at Afor Oru in Ahiazu Mbaise LGA have been reassured of the lmo state government commitment to relocating the market to old Ahiazu Mbaise General Hospital come 30th April, 2017.
The State Commissioner for Commerce and Industry, Chief Chidi lbe, gave the assurance in a meeting he held with the market leaders at the LGA Headquarters, Afor Oru.
He said the relocation was to expand the market and provide the traders enabling environment for business to strive, urging them to co-operate and contribute their quota for quick realization of target.
Chief lbe said the Certificate of Occupancy (C of O) of the old General Hospital premises has been changed from Ministry of Health to Ministry of Commerce and Industry by the Ministry of Lands, Housing and Urban Development, Owerri in line with the approval of the lmo State Governor, Owelle Rochas Okorocha and called on those recently protesting ownership of the land already acquired by government years ago to be wise and not allow unscrupulous elements to lead them by the nose.
He said the move would provide stalls for the young ones, boost commercial activities and fast track development in the area and state at large, beckoning all hands on deck for quick completion of the project within the time frame.
On security, roads, light, water and toilets, the commissioner said work has begun on the road from Afor Oru to the new market site which has already been cleared, promising that all facilities for Grade A market would be put in place and non would fall short of standard.
Chief lbe commended the market project committee headed by the immediate past LGA TC Chairman, Engr. Chika Ezeji for the progress of work done so far and directed that the Timber and Building Material dealers, Afor Oru be given priority in the issuance of form and allocation of space for the stalls.
He reiterated that collection of form is free while processing is N10,000 to be paid into Access Bank account and Teller presented to the committee.
He also commended the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) Superintendent of Police (SP) Danjuma Ragga for not leaving any stone unturned in the protest report brought before him, hinting that taskforce for the relocation of the market comprising the police and the army would be set up soon.
The Chairman of the Market Project Committee and immediate past LGA TC Chairman, Engr. Chika Ezeji,said the committee was working hard to complete the project within the specified time and called for unity of purpose and untainted support of the traders.
In his speech, the traditional ruler of Oru Ahiara and Grand Patron of the traders Almagamated Union, Eze Joe Oleka called on government to consider traders in Ogbo Osisi Afor Oru first before other interests and enjoined them to work in tandem with the committee to actualize set goals.
Earlier, the Chairman Building Materials Afor Oru, Mr. Oliver Kabor, stressed the need to plan the market such that big lorries bringing goods can easily move in and out of the market and more so accommodate as many people as possible while appealing for adequate security, motorable access road, banks and toilet facilities.
On his part, former Chairman of the Timber Dealers Association Afor Oru, Sir. Julius Eze, underlined the essence to expand the site to accommodate both timbers and building material marketers and restated their readiness to assist build the market.
Present at the meeting include the LGA Treasurer, Deacon Jude Jieme, LGA Head of Department (HOD) Works, Engr. Godstime Okomma, the Chairman Timber Association Afor Oru, Mr. lsdore Nwoko, Sectary Timber Association, Prince Dominic Nwoko.
(c) Christian voice newspaper
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