The Abia State Government has assured traders at the Ariaria International Market, Aba that no trader will be subjected to substandard conditions during the first phase of the planned remodelling of the B-Line.
The Special Adviser to the Governor on Trade, Commerce and Industry, Chief Nwaka Inem, gave the assurance on Monday after the tripartite committee comprising the State Government, the developer, and representatives of the traders inspected the B-line section of Ariaria International Market slated for demolition and remodelling.
Chief Inem said the inspection was to ascertain the level of readiness of the Free Trade Zone, which will serve as one of the temporary location sites for traders displaced from the B-line, and to ensure that those affected by the reconstruction are adequately relocated within the market.
He noted that the relocation would pave the way for the demolition of the existing B-Line, which he described as “dilapidated and so dangerous”, and posed a major safety risk to traders and customers alike.
“The B-Line is almost an accident bound to happen. By the grace of God, His Excellency wants us to move with a speed to ensure that the accident doesn’t happen. And the remodelling takes care of that”, Chief Inem said.
According to him, the developer handling the project, Check-Best International Limited, has already secured spaces for the temporary relocation and is putting measures in place to ensure the site is conducive.
“The developer promised us that he has acquired some spaces within the market environment and we needed to come and ensure that the place is conducive to relocate these traders while the reconstruction goes on”, the Governor’s Aide added.
Chief Inem reiterated the present administration commitment to transforming the Ariaria International Market into a modern trading hub that meets global standards.
He added that the State Government would not allow any trader to operate in “subhuman conditions” during the period of the reconstruction.
Speaking on the progress of the project, the Managing Director and Chief Executive of Check-Best International Limited, Mr Chiedozie Njoku, who is the developer handling the section of the market, explained that preliminary works had already begun.
Mr Njoku who disclosed that the company had gradually commenced pre-construction work at the B-Line however emphasised that the immediate priority was to ensure that the temporary site for traders was ready and fit for use.
“What we want to make sure is that the temporary location zone is fit for them to come and start doing their businesses. So give and take, in the next four weeks, everything will be set, both the location and the actual construction”, he assured.
Mr Njoku explained that the project would be implemented in three phases, with the first phase subdivided into three zones to allow for a gradual relocation of traders.
“In the first phase, we’re looking at giving it 24 months, but at least a quarter of the first phase would have been concluded in about eight months.
“Subsequently, the other zones will come, but in 24 months, the phase one will be completed, then we’ll move over to the second phase”, he said.
He however observed that misinformation had posed a major challenge to the smooth take-off of the project, but expressed gratitude that series of recent meetings convened by the Tripartite Committee had helped traders gain a better understanding of the project and the government’s good intentions for them.
Also, the Chairman of Ariaria International Market, Chief Michael Aniorji, thanked Governor Otti for coming to the rescue of traders, noting that they had long desired the remodelling.
He expressed hope that the developer would make further efforts to accommodate more traders in the relocation plan.
The Commissioner for Trade and Commerce, Chief Kingsley Nwokocha was part of the inspection visit.
