Ebere Uzoukwa, Ph.D
Street trading has been a longstanding issue in Abia State, particularly in Aba and Umuahia. This menace poses significant dangers and hazards to both traders and the general public. The presence of traders on the streets can lead to traffic congestion, accidents, and even loss of lives. Moreover, street trading contributes to environmental degradation, as traders often dispose of waste improperly, leading to clogged drains and dirty streets.
In addition to the inherent dangers, street trading also has destructive effects on the roads. The presence of traders on the streets can lead to damage to the roads, as traders often display their goods on the roads, causing damage to the pavement and other infrastructure. This can lead to costly repairs and maintenance, which could have been avoided if traders were operating from designated markets.
The issue of street trading is further complicated by the fact that it creates an environment conducive to crime and disorderliness. The presence of traders on the streets can lead to an increase in criminal activities, such as pickpocketing, armed robbery, and other forms of violence. Moreover, street trading can also lead to the spread of diseases, as traders often do not have access to proper sanitation facilities.
To address these issues, Governor Alex Otti has launched an urban renewal/beautification program aimed at rejuvenating infrastructure in Aba, Umuahia, and other strategic locations in the state. This program includes the remodeling of marketplaces for traders, which will help to reduce congestion on the streets and improve the overall environment.
The urban renewal/beautification program is a comprehensive initiative that aims to transform the physical and economic landscape of Abia State. The program includes the construction of new roads, the rehabilitation of existing ones, and the provision of modern amenities such as streetlights, drainage systems, and waste management facilities.
To ensure the success of this program, the Abia State government established the Abia State Harmonize Taskforce, headed by Prince Uzor Nwachukwu, the Honourable Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs. The taskforce has been mandated to end street trading and touting in Aba and Umuahia, and to ensure that traders operate from designated markets.
The Abia State Harmonize Taskforce has been working tirelessly to ensure that traders comply with the government's directive to move into designated markets. The taskforce has been engaging with traders, sensitizing them on the need to operate from designated markets, and providing them with support and guidance to make the transition as smooth as possible.
To sustain the urban renewal/beautification program and ensure environmental friendliness in Abia's major cities, it is essential to incorporate discipline and compliance with orderliness. Traders must be willing to operate from designated markets, and the general public must be willing to support the government's efforts to maintain a clean and orderly environment.
To achieve this, traders are urged to cooperate with the government by moving into the markets and carrying out their trading activities. This will not only improve the environment but also enhance the safety and security of traders and the general public.
Governor Otti has assured the people of Abia State of his commitment to creating an enabling environment and infrastructure to aid trading and other socio-economic activities in the state. With the urban renewal/beautification program and the establishment of the Abia State Harmonize Taskforce, Abia State is on the path to becoming a more organized, clean, and safe place for all.
The success of the urban renewal/beautification program and the Abia State Harmonize Taskforce will depend on the cooperation and support of traders, the general public, and other stakeholders. It is essential that everyone works together to ensure that the program achieves its objectives and that Abia State becomes a model for urban renewal/beautification and environmental sustainability.
The Abia State government's efforts to end street trading and promote urban renewal/beautification are commendable. With the cooperation of traders and the general public, Abia State can achieve its goal of becoming a more organized and environmentally friendly state. The urban renewal/beautification program and the Abia State Harmonize Taskforce are critical initiatives that will help to transform the state's physical and economic landscape, and ensure that Abia State becomes a place where people can live, work, and thrive in a safe and healthy environment.
Dr. Ebere Uzoukwa is SSA to the Governor of Abia State on Public Affairs.