Commissioner for Trade and Investment, Chief John Okiyi Kalu, who disclosed this during a meeting with the cattle dealers in Aba, also explained that the Governor has directed the executives of Good Morning market in Aba to allow displaced traders from the waterside market to take up vacant shops in the market immediately without demanding rent from them for at least 3 months in order to make them settle with ease and continue their businesses with minimal or no challenge.
Recall that the State government had demolished the Waterside market following the auto crash which claimed 6 lives at the market. A truck laden with 40 feet container had lost brakes and crashed into the market which also houses an abattoir.
It directed traders to relocate to the Good Morning market along Emelogu road, Aba, while butchers were also directed to the new abattoir at Omuma Uzo in Ukwa West council.
On movement to the new cattle market at Omuma Uzo , the Commissioner assured the traders that the Governor has directed the state ministry of works to commence full reconstruction of the road using cement pavement technology.
“The new abattoir we are doing at Omuma Uzo is an ultra modern facility with water, multiple slaughter slabs and other provisions that will make life easier for the traders. While we have paid for most of the work being done, we are confident that normal activities can go on while we complete what is remaining to be fixed. It is better to do that than wait for another accident to happen or for an outbreak of a disease. The Government will clear the demolished abattoir, fumigate it and also dredge the waterside area where the market was previously located. We have demolished all the shanties where criminal elements hide and perpetuate crimes against law abiding citizens
“It will be irresponsible of the government to sit and watch while the lives of the people are threatened daily by the hazards of doing business in and around the demolished market. We feel the pains of the traders and understand the circumstances that led to the market springing up there but we will have no excuse whatsoever to give to posterity if we fail to do the needful immediately.”
