By Charles Igwe
The Anambra State government, represented by Mr Evarist Uba, the Special Adviser to Governor Soludo on Markets, has issued a final relocation deadline for traders of Coke Market in Onitsha. The traders are required to move to the permanent site behind Power Mike in Onitsha by December 3, 2023.
Mr Uba conveyed this directive during a press briefing held in his office at Awka yesterday.
Explaining the rationale behind the decision, he emphasized the strategic location of Coke Market along the expressway, serving as the gateway into Anambra State. Governor Soludo’s administration aims to beautify the state comprehensively, from Onitsha Bridgehead to Amansea. However, the current placement of the market has raised concerns, leading to frequent accidents and loss of lives, particularly for pedestrians crossing the expressway.
Mr Uba highlighted that the existing market area was not originally designated for such purposes. Individuals who were initially allocated spaces to establish factories converted them into makeshift markets, collecting tolls from traders.
He further pointed out the absence of proper facilities in the current location, including sanitation challenges. Traders dealing in perishable goods often dispose of waste into sakamori drains, causing blockages and contributing to environmental issues in the Okpoko area.
To address these concerns, the traders have been granted a one-month grace period to comply and relocate to the new site behind Power Mike. Mr Uba cautioned that failure to adhere to the deadline would result in the sealing off of the current market location.
