By Cajetan Mmuta
Hundreds of traders from Ochanja Central section of Onitsha International Main Market, Anambra State, on Friday, barricaded major roads in protest over plans by some high placed money bags and traders, to construct additional shops on top of old and weak buildings in the area.
They urged relevant authorities to immediately address matter, to suspend further action and to arrest those behind the act.
The protesters and barricaded the State Headquarters of Physical Planning Board, Amawobia, and the gate of the State Government House, along Enugu-Onitsha expressway, Awka.
They complained bitterly that they were in the state capital to appeal to the error Willie Obiano, to urgently intervene to prevent future building collapse that may lead to loss of lives and properties in the market.
Spokesperson the protesters, Chief Gabriel Okwuneme, allege high-hardness of the Ochanja Central market leadership.
He also accused the leadership of collaborating with some State Government agents to construct shops on top of the weak buildings.
He said, in Awka, to protest against illegal construction of shops at Ochanja central market. The market was built one king only and the leadership of the market trying to build shops on top of the kings that foundations are weak and old, in which we found it dangerous to our lives and that of our means of livelihood call on the state government to order for the discontinuation work.
Okwuneme, also called on the Governor, to intervene in the ugly situation to avert impending crises.
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The of the placards displayed by the protesting traders read: ”Save our lives now at Ochanja central market, governor Willie Obiano, we need your help now, Physical Planning Board why are you people keeping quit, Ochanja central market is not for sale, say no to illegal shops at Ochanja central market, illegal shops at Ochanja central market will collapse very soon, say no to dekkings decking foundation at Ochanja central market, among others.”
The State Chairman/Managing Director, Physical Planning Board, Barrister Chike Francis Maduekwe who addressed the traders called for calm, assuring them that their complaints would be given the desired attention.
He however denied having knowing development and promised to meet with all the concerned elders including the traders themselves, next week, to look into the matter.
