IT WILL TAKE ABOUT SIX MONTHS TO COMPLETE SHOPS IN THE NEW SITE—EVICTED TRADERS CRY OUT TO EBONYI STATE GOVT

Reporter: AMECHI ODO

It has been tale of woes at Integrated Building Materials Market Nkwoagu, Ebonyi State.

This followed complaints by some traders who were evicted from old Building Materials Market at Abakaliki that it would take them at least six months to complete the construction of their shops and commence business activities at the new market.

They stated this when Radio Nigeria visited the new Building Material Market to ascertain its level of completion for business transactions.

Although, the new market has over fifty buildings of twenty-four shops each with enough space for vehicular and human traffic, it was observed that its perimeter fencing was yet to be constructed while eighty percent of the building had not yet been decked or fitted with windows and doors.

One of the traders seen at his uncompleted shop, who gave his name simply as Emma, said the eviction had worsened their economic realities occasioned by COVID-19.

He noted that many would find it difficult to raise money to complete their shops.

Another trader, Mr. Solomon Ali, described the situation at the new Building Materials Market as worrisome and appealed to the state government to come to their aid to save their businesses from imminent collapse.

Mr. Ali said construction works at the market were being hampered by lack of water as a borehole sunk by the government in the market was operationally deficient.

Another Trader, who was seen casting the deck of his shop, explained that he spent at least eight thousand Naira to park his wares to his home as he never knew when he would resume business activities at the new market.

The Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Kenneth Ugbala, said the state government was committed to creating a conducive environment for the traders to recommence their businesses.

Radio Nigeria also visited the defunct Building Materials Market where it was observed that bulldozers had continued to mow down abandoned structures.