Delta Agency worries about rise in young street vendors

The Delta State Capital Territory Development Agency has expressed worries about the increasing number of underage street traders.

The agency consequently blamed the parents of such traders for their failure to ensure proper care of their children and wards.

Its Director-General, Mrs. Joan Onyemaechi, told newsmen on Tuesday in Asaba that underage children were becoming a common sight on the streets of the state capital, whereas such children were supposed to be in school.

According to her, the proliferation of street trading has become worrisome, and steps will be taken to ensure that children are taken off the streets.

"More than 8,000 underage children are on the streets, especially at Koka and Ibusa Junctions in Asaba, selling pure water and other items when they are supposed to be in school," she noted.

Earlier, some of the hawkers, who spoke with newsmen, said they ventured into selling pure water to earn a living as there were no persons to cater to their well-being.