Edith CHUKU
The Rivers State governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has warned residents against street trading, noting that it poses serious health, environmental risks and obstructs free flow of traffic.
The governor also described overcrowding, dirt and poor sanitation as conditions that encourage the spread of diseases.
Fubara stated this on Friday during an inspection visit to Creek Road Market under construction in old Port Harcourt, where he gave the assurance that the project would be completed by January, 2027.
He expressed satisfaction with the pace and quality of work, noting that the project was prompted by a meeting he had with SETRACO, the construction firm handling the resurfacing of roads in the old Port Harcourt Township.
The governor said, SETRACO had, in the course of the meeting, identified the Creek Road axis as a major cause of delay in its road rehabilitation works, as street traders have virtually taken over the road, making it impossible for the contractor to work.
He noted that relocating the traders to the new market remains the only solution to free the road for the resurfacing work to be done successfully.
Despite the challenges encountered since the commencement of the project, Fubara said he was impressed with what he saw on site, commending the contractor for the quality of job done so far.
He disclosed that the first phase of the market comprises about 700 stalls and shops, covering both wet and dry sections, which he said is sufficient to accommodate most of the women trading along Creek Road and ultimately restore free flow of traffic along the route.
He assured the contractor handling the market project that the state government will do its part to ensure the project continues as agreed, including addressing the issue of funding raised by the contractor, to guarantee timely delivery of the project.
Speaking on the benefits of the market, Fubara said the project goes beyond providing trading spaces, as it is also aimed at restoring sanity, decency and a healthy environment in the Old Port Harcourt Township, which he described as home to many aged people and “aborigines” of the city.
He lamented that the situation of the old market forced traders onto the streets, turning the Creek Road and adjoining streets into an open market.
Fubara observed that the current situation of trading along the streets could create serious environmental and health hazards, noting that many diseases are caused by overcrowding, dirt and uncleanliness.
The governor reiterated his administration’s commitment to improving the health and wellbeing of Rivers people, stressing that he is happy not just as head of the current administration, but as a citizen of the State to see a project that will return the old Port Harcourt Township to its cherished status as a clean and orderly city.
