Traders in Nnewi, Anambra State have raised the alarm over deplorable state of roads leading to Timber Market in Agbo Edo area of the industrial city.
They said the road, constructed four years ago and serving Timber (Ogbor Osisi) Market Agbo Edo, Building Materials Market, Spare Parts Market, Nkwor Nnewi and others has collapsed.
Speaking during the inauguration of interim caretaker committee of Timber Market Agbo Edo Nnewi, Patron of the market Hon C.C Martins lamented that heavy goods vehicles that transport timber and other building materials could no longer access the road ocasioned by deep and wide potholes which had worsened by rains.
He expressed fears that economic activities in the area would be grounded soon if urgent attention is not given, just as he called on government to award the road for immediate reconstruction.
Martins also called for provision of a new fire truck in Timber market as well as health care facility which would equally serve other markets within the area,
He said, “The fire truck provided to the market by past administration is old and can’t function effectively. It has broken down completely.
“Now harmattan period is near, the market is prone to fire disasters due to the nature of the activities in which machines process timber into various sizes and shapes, producing sawdust and fragments that easily attract fire from any tiny spark.
“We also appeal for the provision of a health care facility that will serve this market and the rest. Traders have always sustained varying degrees of injury like deep blade cuts while operating machines.”
Special Adviser to the Governor on Commerce and Industry, Mr Eloka Maduekwe assured the traders of delivering their message to government for necessary actions.
He reminded traders that the vision of Soludo’s administration is to build a livable and prosperous smart megacity, in which the provision of market infrastructure is a priority in the economic transformation plans.
Inaugurating the new executives, Commissioner for Commerce and Industry Dr Obinna Ngonadi, represented by the Chief Commercial Officer of the Ministry Mrs Jossy Eboh-Nwosu, urged them to always consult stakeholders in making decisions on critical issues; and to ensure that existing peace in the market was sustained.
Responding on behalf of others, the new Caretaker Chairman Mr Chukwudi Ayaezu, thanked Governor Soludo and Commissioner Ngonadi for the appointment, promising to partner with the government to build a new Anambra.
