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By Madu Obi
As part of his administration's effort to tackle street trading in the state, the Governor of Anambra State, Prof Chukwuma Soludo has built 40 units of lock-up shops and market stalls in Awka for the displaced street traders.
The governor said during the commissioning of the shops at Okpuno area of the state capital, that the initiative was geared towards providing a permanent solution to the issue of street trading by offering the traders a comfortable and modern trading environment.
Stating that he had fulfilled the promise he made to itinerant traders, the governor emphasized that the shops represent a model solution to the problem of street trading.
It was gathered that the eligibility for owning a shop at the shops named 'Solution Arena' requires that individuals must have previously been street traders who had been displaced and had subsequently applied for a space in the new area.
According to him, the Awka 'Solution Arena' is a prototype that would be replicated across the state.
They were designed and designated spots for fruits and vegetables, grills, and other sundries and were given free of charge to the poorest members of the community.
They were also equipped with solar lighting, modern toilet facilities, and areas where fruits can be washed with flowing water.
"This initiative ensures that the streets remain clean and free of street traders and hawkers and providing a convenient shopping environment for the public," Soludo said.
He commended officials of the Awka Capital Territory Development Authority (ACTDA) for bringing the project to fruition.
The Managing Director of Awka Capital Territory Development Authority, ACTDA, Mr. Ossy Onuko said the aim is to regenerate the capital city into a world-class urban center, free from the clutter of uncoordinated petty trading.
According to the ACTDA boss, the government is committed to moving traders off the streets and into designated areas.
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