By Okechukwu Onuegbu
Anambra State governor, Professor Chukwuma Charles Soludo, Friday, reassured women of his administration's resolve to stop hawking and trading along the road or streets through provision of conducive environment for businesses to thrive.
Soludo disclosed this while commissioning Solutions Arena Fruits and Vegetables market comprising over 65 spaces shops built by Awka Capital Territory Development Authority (ACTDA) at Oye Toro in Umuowere village, Agulu.
According to him, providing conducive environment for businesses would promote healthy living and completions, including security of lives and properties as many petty traders especially women have either sustained injuries or lost their lives while trading on roads.
"My administration is determined to provide you with standard, modern markets for you to transact your business in a secured environment. There is no gain standing on roads with your wares. This exposes you to dangers, including road accidents. It also causes traffic jams. We are working to stop it in Anambra. That is why we are also building markets.
"ACTDA under this young man (Osita Onuko) is doing a great job. Solutions Arena fruits and vegetables he built at Awka is helping in traffic decongestion. Agulu is part of Awka Capital Territory Development Authority. This initiative will help to reduce traffic jams at Nwagu Agulu especially now we are dualising the road from Amawbia to Ekwulọbịa and Agulu to Ihiala.
"You will no longer have to stand on the road to sale your fruits and vegetables. People will drive here to buy from you. There is 24 hours power supply which will make it possible for you to stay as long as you can in the market. There is convenience for both traders and customers here as well. Offices are also available for the management of the market. Please make maximum use of this facilities," he added.
The governor further added that his administration was keen to urban regeneration initiative which was why it embarked on construction of Odu Igbo market at Onitsha is currently being constructed.
He further maintained that the master plan for Agulu and other parts of Anambra State was huge and when completed, it would extends to the next generation of Anambra, having mapped out all Trunk-A Road for dualization.
"We have a huge agenda in Agulu and Anaocha. Agulu is a big town. God created and beautified the town with a lake. We will turn Agulu into a tourist destination by changing the status of the lake and Agulu generally so that tourists, including local and foreign investors will come to live here," he added.
Speaking in an interview, the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, ACTDA, Hon. Osita Onuko, commended the governor for offering him an opportunity to serve Anambra State under his administration, noting that he would never disappoint.
"We built the facilities because of governor Soludo's support and vision for ndị Anambra. We are under him and we are learning from him, and will continue being Soludo ambassadors. We are following the man who knows road. We owe Anambra people a duty for good governance and delivery the dividends of democracy.
"I can assure you that these facilities will be utilised for what they are meant for. We are charging the management team of the Solution Arena fruits and vegetables market to maintain and manage it well. We urge the traders to go on and thrive in their businesses," he stated.
Earlier, the Chairman of Anaocha local government area, Mr. Romanus Ibekwe, and members representing Anaocha Constituencies One and Two at the State House of Assembly, Ms. Nkechi Ogbuefi and Hon. Ejike Okechukwu expressed joy over the governor's numerous developmental projects in the Council area, assuring that they would support his vision and second term ambition.