The Anambra State House of Assembly has urged Governor Chukwuma Soludo to direct the Special Adviser on Trade and Market and the Managing Director, Awka Capital Territory Development Authority, (ACTDA), to commence the construction of affordable local mini markets within Awka metropolis.
The motion followed rising menace of street trading and its associated effects on the state capital.
Sponsor of the motion, Mr Nigeria Henry Mbachu, member representing Awka South 1 Constituency said poverty rate was on the increase, adding that creating avenues for people to earn a living has become mandatory.
He said, “There are many quarters within Awka metropolis which creates the need to establish local mini-markets to serve the people living within those areas.
“It is nearly impossible to secure a shop within the already established markets and the limited shops available are in high and exorbitant price to rent.
“The creation of mini-markets within Awka metropolis, will be a solution to the menace of shanties, street trading and serve as means of encouraging micro businesses thereby achieving the goals of making Anambra a livable and prosperous homeland.
“Awka has one major market in Eke-Awka and its capacity cannot serve the population of people living in the city which resulted to the creation of street trading as an option in other neighbourhood.
“A woman selling tomatoes and maggi cannot aford to rent a shop which is not less than 150,000 naira now in Awka and this has made street trading difficult to curb.”
Supporting the motion, Minority Whip Mr Paul Obu (Orumba North), Chief Whip Hon. Jude Ngobili (Ihiala one), Hon. Patrick Okafor (Onitsha North two), Hon. Golden Iloh (Ihiala two), Hon. Anthony Mobuike (Aguata two), Hon. Bernard Udemezue (Ayamelum) and Hon. Emmanuel Nwafor (Orumba South) in their separate submissions called for the construction of affordable local mini market within Awka metropolis.
“Street trading is a very big menace in the state and is not decent. Creation of this mini markets will reduce avoidable accident and creat easy flow of vehicle. An alternative provision should be made,” the lawmakers stated.
Anambra Assembly Speaker Rt. Hon. Somtochukwu Udeze commended Hon. Nigeria Mbachu for the motion, stating that their is no better society were government will encourage street trading.
“The construction of mini markets in Awka should not be left for government alone. Individuals and cooperate establishements should also assist so that we will have enough,” Udeze said.
The house adjourned to Thursday February 8th 2024.
