Okezie Ikpeazu


Abia State Governor Okezie Ikpeazu on Monday announced measures to contain the perennial flooding challenges experienced by traders at Ariaria International Market since it's inception.


Following recent flooding   occasioned by  torrential rains  the governor met with  traders affected by by the flooding and other stakeholders in the market where he expressed sympathy and solidarity with them


Rising from the meeting,  Gov  Ikpeazu who was represented by the Commissioner For Trade and Investment, Chief John Okiyi Kalu,  directed the developer of the market, Blessed  Henken International Company Limited to commence excavation and construction of a 2-metre width culvert across Faulks Road from A-line to channel storm water from the on-going construction area in the market to Waterside River in Aba through Faulks/Osusu Road drainage way.


The developer was further directed to begin extension of the ongoing reconstruction project at Omuma Road, Aba, to include connection of the wide drains to the Ifeobara area to provide alternative channel for gradient flow of storm water to the natural collection points at waterside river.


In an statement issued at the conclusion of the meeting, the Commissioner added that the Market committee;  Project Monitoring Team and Ministry of Trade and Investment officials were equally directed to  embark on the immediate assessment and evaluation of the extent of damage done to goods of affected traders,  with a view to recommending appropriate financial and other support from the government to the affected traders.


Meanwhile, Chief Kalu also announced that two years tax waiver have been granted to all the traders affected by the ongoing remodeling of A-line in Ariaria International Market including exemption from payment of revenues collected by State and LGA agents in the market.


"While the construction of high quality shop structures in A-line will continue, we have mobilized needed resources to ensure that as soon as the rains abate construction of A-line road and associated drains will commence and conclude within the coming dry season window


"We therefore wish to seek the continuing partnership, support and understanding of our traders and visitors to the market for the successful execution of this phase of the project which will deliver modern market infrastructure to generations of traders", the Commissioner stated


He also warned politicians and their agents attempting to instigate crisis in the market  to desist from such course stressing that  government has directed security agents to deal decisively with trouble makers and their sponsors.


"We have also received information on plots by politically sponsored hoodlums to hide behind this nature induced challenges to unleash destruction and looting of goods belonging to innocent traders in the market


"Governor Okezie Ikpeazu has therefore directed Security agents in the state to ensure protection of the market and the traders as well as deal decisively with trouble makers and their sponsors", the statement submitted


The Commissioner who urged the affected traders to bear their loss and experience with equanimity, pointed out that  the Ikpeazu administration undertook the ongoing remodeling of the market, starting with A-line, with new drains, road and shops elevated and aligned properly to conclusively deal with the flooding challenges