Awka capital authority constructs 50 stalls to resettle displaced street traders

The Awka Capital Territory Development Authority (ACTDA) has commenced the construction of 50 stalls to resettle displaced street traders and artisans in the city.

Mr Ossy Onuko, Managing Director of ACTDA, said this in Awka on Friday.

He said the stalls would be allocated free when completed to verified persons who were affected by the Awka City renewal enforcement exercise in the area.

Onuko dismissed reports that the agency was constructing 1,200 open shops for dislodged traders as misleading.

He said the open shops were on the popular Club roads and would serve as mini mart for residents and visitors in the area.

According to him, the agency, in line with its development control mandate, has demolished shanties in some places in the state capital city and declared war on traders who display their goods on the road and walkways.

“However, in the uncommon display of empathy and care, Gov. Chukwuma Soludo directed the agency to assiduously work on getting alternatives for those affected by enforcement activities,” he said.

Onuko said in compliance with the directive, the agency had identified places where open stalls would be built.

He said the spaces would be affordable to small business owners and urged affected persons to approach ACTDA office for information on space allocation forms.

“Currently, we are constructing 50 units of open shops on Club Road Awka to accommodate street traders who were dislodged from the whole Oby Okoli/Club Road axis,” he said.