Soludo to begin work Saturday as traders vote for total demolition, remodeling of main market

By Ejike Abana

Anambra State Governor, Professor Chukwuma Soludo, has met with shop owners at the state’s Main Market, informing them of the government’s decision to proceed with the demolition and comprehensive remodeling of the trading complex following the expiration of the initial two-week notice and the one-month extension.

The meeting with the shop owners at the Light House, Awka, is part of a broader effort to rescue and regenerate the market, which the Governor described as having deteriorated significantly.

Governor Soludo emphasized that his administration is a government that cares for its people, including future generations, stating that the current state of the Main Market is unsustainable and cannot survive the next decade in its present condition.

A critical issue highlighted was the severe lack of parking spaces, walkways, and restrooms, which the Governor identified as fundamental requirements for modern commerce, explaining that the market originally had five parking lots but that three were illegally built upon, thereby reducing functionality, and adding that globally, accessible parking is essential for retail viability.

While acknowledging the inconvenience and hardship the reconstruction will cause, especially for shop owners who purchased their spaces unaware of the underlying issues, the Governor expressed empathy, warned the public to conduct thorough due diligence before buying property, and noted that amendments to physical planning laws would now allow for the prosecution of government officials involved in illegal allocations, even after they retire from office.

The initial two-week notice for shop owners to vacate was extended to one month, with the final deadline set for this Saturday, which the Governor declared sacrosanct for now unless otherwise decided, as contractors are scheduled to move into the market next week to begin the phased reconstruction.

The first stage, labeled Phase 0, will involve reclaiming the lost parking lots, as the leveled areas of Parks One and Two are set for clearance starting Monday following the initial site leveling on Sunday, preceding the full stage-by-stage remodeling from Phases 1 to 4 aimed at restoring the market to its original master plan.

Governor Soludo framed the project as a necessary sacrifice for the future of Anambra State, asserting that the fundamental redevelopment of the Main Market is essential for building a greater state for all its resident.