The Anambra State House of Assembly has called for construction of affordable mini shops and markets within the Awka metropolis to curb the menace of street trading.
This is contained in a motion moved under Matters of Urgent Public Importance, by Mr Henry Mbachu, member representing Awka South Constituency I at plenary on Wednesday.
Mbachu while making his submission, lamented that the only existing market in the Awka capital territory could not serve the needs of residents and it was far from residential areas.
He said people also resorted to building roadsides shades to trade because they could not afford the high rent for the lock up shops.
โThe rising rate of poverty in Nigeria is very alarming, thereby, plugging millions of people into extreme poverty.
โIt is nearly impossible to secure a shop within the already established market and the prices of limited shops available are exorbitant.
โThe residents of Awka metropolis due to hardship, resorted to road side trading to make ends meet, thereby, distorting the aesthetics of the capital city.
โThis was why the relevant authority applied measures to stop the menace of street trading while the outcome was unpleasant.
โI am convinced that the creation of mini-markets and shops within Awka metropolis will solve the menace of shanties and serve as a means of encouraging micro businesses,โ he said.
Supporting the motion, Mr Emma Nwafor, member representing Orumba South Constituency, said many petty traders were stranded following the demolition of roadside shanties.
โIf we can have affordable mini markets, these traders will be registered and government can also generate revenues,โ he said.
Contributing, Mr Golden Iloh, representing Ihiala state constituency ll, said most petty traders were trading with less than N50,000 and could not afford to rent a shop for N250.
He said the construction of affordable mini markets would assist the small business sector, reduce traffic gridlock and accidents on the roads.
The Speaker of the House, Dr Somtochukwu Udeze, while reading the resolution, urged corporate organisations to support government to establish the mini markets.
โThe assembly urges Gov. Chukwuma Soludo to direct the Special Adviser for Trade and Market and the Managing Director, Awka Capital Development Authority to begin construction of affordable mini markets to control menace of street trading and associated effects on the state capital.โ (NAN)
