ORIE EMENE MARKET DEMOLITION: DISPLACED TRADERS APPEAL FOR RELOCATION TO A NEW SITE
The Chairman of Oye Emene Market Association, Prince Nicholas Ezeme has described the State Government’s sudden decision to demolish the market without prior notice as a big shock to the traders.
In an interview with Radio Nigeria, in his office in the market, Prince Ezeme appealed to the government and relevant authorities to give them a new site and time to relocate.
The Chairman of Enugu East Local Government, Chief Alex Ugwu, affirmed that the Federal and State Governments gave an order to close the market.
He however stated that efforts were being made to relocate the traders.
The Enugu State Government demolished the abattoir section of the Orie Emene Market in Enugu last Saturday.
The demolition followed the directive of the State Executive Council to forestall air accident at the airport.
The Commissioner for Enugu Capital Territory Development Authority, Mr. Chidi Aroh who inspected the demolition, said a tragic accident that would have occurred as a result of the illegal abattoir, necessitated the Executive Council’s decision.
In an interview, the Traditional Ruler of Emene Community, Igwe Felix Ugwu said closure and proposed relocation of the market was a welcomed development, claiming it would attract more economic growth in the area because of the International Airport.
Earlier in the week, the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria raised safety concerns about potential air hazards in and around the Akanu Ibiam International Airport Enugu.
EMMA NWEKE & CHUKWUMA EZEOGU