David-Chyddy Eleke in Awka
The Anambra State House of Assembly has called on the state governor, Professor Chukwuma Soludo, to build mini markets within the state capital to stem the tide street trading.
The state government had recently embarked on the enforcement of laws against street trading aimed at giving Awka a facelift
The legislator representing Awka South 1 Constituency, Hon Henry Mbachu, said that this would decongest markets and also reduce street trading.
Mbachu said: “There are many quarters within Awka metropolis, which creates the need to establish local mini-markets to serve the people living within those areas.
“Poverty rate is on the increase, and creating mini markets will be an avenue for people to earn a living.
“Street trading abound because it has become mandatory that people must earn a living, but building mini markets will help the people to earn legitimately, without offending any law.”
He said that it is nearly impossible to secure a shop within the already established markets as the limited shops available are exorbitant in price.
Seven member of the state legislature spoke in favour of the motion.
Speaker of the Anambra State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Somtochukwu Udeze, commended the motion, saying that individuals and corporate establishments could also come in to stem the tide of street trading, which had been abolished in the state.
