Traders at the popular Ariaria International Market, Aba, have thrown their weight behind the Abia State Government’s plan to remodel the market, describing it as a welcome development that will transform the business hub into an international-standard facility.
The Treasurer of the Market and Chairman of the Remodelling Sub-Committee, Sir Hyacinth Nnabude, said traders were embracing the initiative with open arms, including those whose shops would be affected.
According to him, under the tripartite arrangement involving the State Government, the traders, and developer Checkbest International Limited, no trader would lose his shop as each would enjoy the right of first refusal.
He added that alternative relocation shops had been provided to ensure business continuity during the construction phase.
Also speaking, a member of the Committee, Prince Stanley Obazuo, lauded the government and the developer for their commitment to the project, stressing that traders had endured years of hardship due to flooding and poor infrastructure.
“I want to thank our Governor, His Excellency, Dr Alex Otti, for all his efforts in transforming the market. The Governor brought the developer to remodel the market and we have a tripartite Committee.
“The developer has put quite a lot of effort into getting the job done, this shows that the government is interested in the welfare of the people.
Other traders, including Hon Uche Ikechi, Chief Eberechi Martin Maduka, Comrade Uchenna Echeka, and Mr Uchenna Onyejiemeli, lamented the dilapidated condition of the market, citing leaking roofs, persistent flooding, and losses running into millions of naira and expressed delight at the remodelling effort and pledged their full support.
The Managing Director of Checkbest International Limited, Mr Chiedozie Njoku, explained that part of the agreement with the state government was to provide alternative trading spaces for affected traders, assuring them that no one would be displaced.
“So no trader is going to losehis shop in Ariaria based on the agreement we have with the government.
“The remodelling of the international market that we are undertaking in the state was prompted by the need to redevelop and remodel our international markets into truly international markets of international standards, in line with the infrastructural development drive of the present administration.
“One of the processes agreed with the present administration is to provide alternative trading places where the traders will continue doing their businesses while the reconstruction and remodelling are ongoing.
“Unlike in the past, when some projects were not properly thought through before commencement and traders lost not only their shops but also their sources of income and livelihood, we didn’t want to repeat the mistakes of previous administrations.
“We are also going to carry out the remodelling in phases so that not all traders or sections of the market will be affected at the same time,” Mr Njoku stated.
