By Our Reporter
There is tension in Anambra state, following the destruction of Newspapers and sacking of the vendors on the streets by Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s agency.
The agency, Awka Capital Territory Development Authority ACTDA, has been packing and destroying goods of widows and less previledged masses in the state since December.
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The développent, has forced the vendors to downtool in the state, as they plan for heavy protest in the state any moment from now.
According to one of their leaders who prefered anonymity, the vendors are putting up à petition to the Governor to that effect.
The situation had heightened
tension in the state as newspapers are not being sold in Anambra .
The tables of the vendors had been destroyed while their umbrellas were burnt on Wednesday, by the agents of the government.
The développent, had attracted the attention of the state House of Assembly, who had urged Governor Chukwuma Soludo to direct the Special Adviser on Trade and Market and the Managing Director, Awka Capital Territory Development Authority, (ACTDA), to commence the construction of affordable local mini markets within Awka metropolis.
This, according to the lawmakers, was to control the menace of street trading and associated effects on the state capital.
The sponsor of the motion was Hon Henry Mbachu, the member representing Awka South 1 Constituency.
While making his submission, Mbachu, said poverty rate was on the increase, adding that creating avenues for people to earn a living had become mandatory.
“There are many quarters within Awka metropolis which create the need to establish local mini-markets to serve the people living within those areas.
“It is nearly impossible to secure a shop within the already established markets and the limited shops available are in high and exorbitant price to rent.
“The creation of mini-markets within Awka metropolis, will be a solution to solve the menace of shanties, street trading and serve as a means of encouraging micro businesses thereby achieving the goals of making Anambra a livable and prosperous homeland” the lawmaker said
In his reaction, Soludo’s Press Secretary, Mr Christian Aburime, told The Razor that he was not aware of the situation, but promised to reach out to the MD of the agency.
He said there should be designated places for vendors in the state, adding that everywhere in the world, vendors, especially, those at the designated centres were not affected by such policies.
Aburime, maintained that keeping Anambra clean was for everyone, adding that even in Lagos, Newspaper vendors were allowed to exist at their différent designated areas.
The destruction by the agency had affected many people including the widows, the poor and needy, whose wares, foods and other things were packed and burnt or poured away.
