Flooding: Ikpeazu Commiserates With Traders In Ariaria Market

The Governor of Abia State, Okezie Ikpeazu, has commiserated with traders at Ariaria Market over a recent flooding in the market.

The Governor was represented by the Commissioner For Trade and Investment, Chief John Okiyi Kalu, during a visit to the affected areas of the market on Monday.

He warned those trying to hide behind the incident to cause trouble to desist from such actions as government continues to seek the understanding of the traders in view of the ongoing reconstruct of some sections of the market.

"We wish to express our sympathy and solidarity with traders of Ariaria International Market who were affected by the recent flooding in the market occasioned by the torrential rains of the past three days. 

"While we obviously have no way of preventing heavy rains from falling in any of our markets, the administration undertook the ongoing remodeling of the market, starting with A-line, with new drains, road and shops elevated and aligned properly to conclusively deal with the perennial flooding challenges experienced by traders since inception of the market.

"While the construction of high quality shop structures in A-line will continue, we have mobilized needed resources to ensure that as soon as the rains abate construction of A-line road and associated drains will commence and conclude within the coming dry season window. 

"We therefore wish to seek the continuing partnership, support and understanding of our traders and visitors to the market for the successful execution of this phase of the project which will deliver modern market infrastructure to generations of traders.

"Politicians and their agents attempting to instigate crisis in the market are advised in their own interests to desist from such course as the government has directed security agents to deal decisively with trouble makers and their sponsors.

"We have also received information on plots by politically sponsored hoodlums to hide behind this nature induced challenges to unleash destruction and looting of goods belonging to innocent traders in the market.