AWKA TRADERS COMPLY WITH MARKET CLOSURE ORDER

Most of the traders at Eke Awka Main Market complied with the directive by the Anambra State Government to close their shops for two weeks. The order, which became effective on Monday was part of measures advanced by the state government to help in curtailing the spread of the Coronavirus pandemic.

The order for the closure of markets in Anambra State did not affect shops dealing in food and medical related commodities. Among the sections affected were Eke Awka Markets 2 and 3 as well as other lines dealing in non- consumables.

It was noticed that activities were going on at the foreign exchange section close to the Eke Awka Roundabout. There was free flow of traffic at the usually flooded roundabout and Arroma junction, while most shops on Zik Avenue, Arthur Eze, Enugu-Onitsha Expressway, Secretariat Road, Dike Street and Ogbugbankwa Square did not open for businesses.

A Secondary School teacher, Mr. Ifeanyi Otugo, commended the steps taken by government to contain the virus but called for adequate palliatives to reduce the envisaged negative effects on the people. A trader at Dike Street, Awka, Mr. Emeka Amakom, who was affected by the closure, said the situation in the country might create serious economic consequences for the citizens.

Mr. Amakom expressed displeasure over the astronomic rise in prices of food items due to the pandemic.  Also, a businessman, who was seen shopping at the market, Mr. Ndubueze Nwankwo, stressed that prices some of the items increased slightly. The respondents argued that traders on the streets of the state should not have been included in the two weeks markets closure.

NDU NWANNAH