Governor Okezie Ikpeazu has directed the immediate sealing of blocks PK1 and PK2 in zone 11 of Cemetary market in Aba, Abia State, following safety concerns as a result of structural defects observed by inspectors.
Governor Ikpeazu who had directed the setting up of a committee to review the structural integrity of buildings located in major markets in the state expressed shock that traders are risking their lives in the partially collapsed building and instructed the state Commisioner for Trade and Investment, Chief John Okiyi Kalu, to ensure that the contractor who erected the structure is brought to justice.
Speaking to newsmen and traders on Thursday after visiting the affected market, Chief Okiyi assured the traders that Governor Ikpeazi prioritizes their welfare as Trade and Commerce is one of the pillars of his administration. According to him, “our Governor, Dr Okezie Ikpeazu, prioritizes safety and well-being of traders and citizens over and above every other consideration. His directive to seal those blocks is borne out of love and care for the welfare of our traders and Abians in general”.
Chief Okiyi further revealed that the Governor has directed the immediate removal of street traders along the newly reconstructed Ngwa road and assured that ministry’s task force team and security agents will soon swing into action to ensure total compliance with the directive of the Governor. He announced that from next week the team will ensure that traders who left their shops in the market to occupy streets along different roads in Aba will be returned to their proper place of doing business.