By Praise Chinecherem
The Awka Capital Territory Development Authority (ACTDA) has refuted media report alleging that it was building 1,200 shops for street traders dislodged in the recent enforcement drive of the agency.
In a statement signed by HOD Development Control, Mr Charles Ekwunife, the Agency said it was rather constructing 50 units of open shops along Club Road, Awka to accommodate street traders dislodged in the Oby Okoli/Club Road axis.
The statement reads, “The attention of the Managing Director of Awka Capital Territory Development Authority (ACTDA), Hon Ossy Onuko has been drawn to a media report circulating on various social media platforms claiming that the agency is currently building 1,200 shops for the street traders that were dislodged in the recent enforcement drive of the agency.
“The Agency in line with its development control mandate, has demolished shanties in some places in the state capital city and has declared war on traders who display their goods on the road and walkways.
“However, in the uncommon display of empathy and care, the Governor directed the agency to assiduously work on getting alternatives for those affected by our enforcement activities.
“In obedience to Mr Governor’s directive, the agency has identified places where these open stalls will be built and is currently constructing 50 units of open shops in Club Roadoad Awka to accommodate street traders that were dislodged in the whole Oby Okoli/Club Road axis.
“However, there is nowhere 1,200 shops construction is going on except in the imagination of the writer of the article. The general public should disregard such news.”
