The Abia State Government has commenced the removal of shanties and attachments built around Isigate in Umuahia.

Speaking with journalists shortly after the exercise, the Commissioner for Environment, Dr. Solomon Ogunji, said the exercise followed the expiration of the deadline given to traders and transporters operating in the area to move from the vicinity to the government approved markets and motor parks.

The Commissioner noted that plans were underway to commence beautification of the Instigate to enhance the aesthetics of the state capital.

He warned that Government would no longer tolerate trading in the areas.

Also, the Deputy General Manager Abia State Public Utilities Maintenance Agency, Mr. Uzoma Asiegbu, said the exercise was in line with government efforts towards giving the city a face-lift.

Some of the affected traders in an interview expressed shocked over the exercise as some of them claimed that their shops were not within the areas marked for demolition.

LAWRENCE NWOKEDI