Governor Okezie Ikpeazu has told all those who deal on different kind of vehicle spare parts and mechanics operating within Aba metropolis especially around areas like Clifford Road, School Road, Azikiwe Road, etc to start preparing for relocation to the new Mechanic Village at Ovom, along Opobo Road in Obingwa LGA.
The Governor stated this yesterday at the new Ovom Mechanic Village when he met with the traders themselves and the mechanics. He made it clear that the movement was non negotiable adding that the days of allowing mechanic workshops and their activities to deface the Aba township has come to an end.
Governor Ikpeazu told the traders and mechanics that the reason why his administration has allowed them to continue to do business inside Aba town was because of his personal philosophy that he won’t push out any business person from where he does business without finding a good alternative for him as that is capable of distorting the economic base of several families in the State. He pointed out that now that the new market is ready, government will enforce their relocation to the new market and will use every legitimate means, including the the use of force and arrest to do the needful.
He said he invited them to come, see the new market for themselves and appreciate the seriousness and sincerity of his administration towards their welfare and the growth of their businesses, adding that our businessmen must key into the modern style of doing business in established clusters.
According to the Governor, the presence of mechanics and spare parts dealers inside the main Aba town has several disadvantages including hampering effective waste management and environmental cleanliness, conversion of residential buildings into market stalls thereby distorting purpose clauses of buildings, destruction of public infrastructure, etc.
He assured them that his administration will look into their concerns regarding the cost of the shops, assuring further that the first 100 traders to obtain the form and move to the new place will get palliatives from the government. He made it abundantly clear that from the day he returns to formally commission the market, it will become illegal for anyone to engage in such business inside Aba town.
The Governor also told the audience that the issue of flooding around the area was alreasy receiving attention and directed the Commissioner for Works to ensure that the work is sped up. He also assured the host community that action around compensation and other related matters had long commenced.
Speaking earlier, the Honorable Commissioner for Industries, Chief Mrs Uwaoma Olewengwa told the Governor that the market which is a Public Private Partnership is ready for occupation by the traders. She urged the traders to take advantage of the efforts by government to relocate as appropriate. She described the market as purpose built to cater for the needs of the traders and mechanics. The new market, according to her, has all that is required to make businesses flourish, including provision for banking services, eateries, etc.
Also speaking, the Chief Executive of Total Value Limited, the Government Partners in the development of the market thanked the State Governor for their initiative to bring investors into the state and assured that the traders will become key stakeholders in the ownership and running of the market.
Responding, the Chairman of the Aba Motor Spare Parts Dealers Association, Chief Onyekachukwu Udeaja thanked the administration of Governor Okezie Ikpeazu for the new market which he described as standard for their business but requested the Governor to kindly intervene in the reduction of the unit cost of the shops to encourage the traders to move quickly and become owners of the shops and not just mere tenants.
He thanked the Governors for the great works he is doing across the State and urged him to do more.
Former Deputy Governor Eric Acho Nwakanma, Chief Okey Ahiwe and Elder Raymond Aliga accompanied the Governor on the visit while the Traditional Ruler of the Host Community, Eze Otete poured royal blessings on the project and urged the Governor to carry the Community along.
Sir Onyebuchi Ememanka
Chief Press Secretary to the Governor.
19th March, 2022.
