- Press Release
Foundation For Environmental Rights, Advocacy & Development (FENRAD) An Environmental Rights Advocacy organization has commended the Governor of Abia state His Excellency Governor Okezie Ikpeazu on the on going remodeling of the Ariaria international Market, Aba.
FENRAD on the spot assessment visit to the project site at A- Line of Ariaria international Market where the three blocks of the remodeled A Line is going on commended the Governor for the High Quality of the shops structures being constructed in the market and stress that the successful completion of the phase of the Project will deliver a modern market infrastructure to generation of traders in the market.
FENRAD commended the developer Blessed Henken international company for the Quality of the construction work going on and the commencement of the Excavation and construction of a 2 metre width culvert across Faulks from A line to channel storm water from the construction area to waterside River through Faulks /Osusu road drainage way and stress that the mitigation measure will address the perennial flooding challenges experience by traders since the inception of the
market.
FENRAD applauded the Governor for the tax waivers given to traders as form of sympathy and solidarity to those affected by the recent flooding of the market as a result of the ongoing remodeling of the market and stress that Government should have a data base of the shop owners to ensure traders recover their shops after the construction.
FENRAD express worry with the slow pace of the work and charge the Developer to intensify efforts to ensure the project is completed by Dec 2022 as promised by the Governor during his visit to the market as most traders are facing untold hardship due to the construction work going on.
FENRAD seek for continuing partnership, support and understanding of traders and visitors to the market for the successful execution of the phase of the project
Governor Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu on 5th September 2021 approved the commencement of the phased redevelopment of 47 years old market to tackle its age long structural issues with many shops as well as provide the necessary modern infrastructure to deal with the perennial flooding challenges in the Market.
The developer have committed to completing the required work by establishment of proper drainage channels,accessible road and motor parks in the market.
FENRAD calls on the Government to provide the necessary support both financial and otherwise to the Developer to enable him deliver at the agreed time and stress that following the new master plan, convenience facilities, fire fighting unit and other facilities is important because past Experience during the dry season show that the market has on many occasions been gutted by fire resulting in losses by shop owners without recovery due to absence of fire fighting unit.
FENRAD believe that in the interest of Environmental safety standard, the market after completion should have a mini fire unit with fire fighting Equipment and other facilities
Finally FENRAD urge the Government good speed in the completion as most traders are hoping to trade in the remodeled Market this Xmas season.
Signed
Comrade Nelson Nnanna Nwafor
Executive Director
Foundation For Environmental Rights, Advocacy & Development (FENRAD).
