Lawrence Nwimo, Awka
Anambra State Government has debunked reports of an ongoing construction of 1,200 (one thousand, two hundred shops) in Awka, the capital city of the state.
Report circulating on various social media platforms had claimed that Awka Capital Territory Development Authority (ACTDA), is currently building 1,200 shops for the street traders who were dislodged in the recent enforcement drive of the agency.
However, a statement signed by the Head of Department, Awka Capital Territory Development Control Unit, Mr. Charles Ekwunife, described the viral report as untrue and urged the public to disregard the news of such development in the state
It reads: “The attention of the Managing Director of Awka Capital Territory Development Authority (ACTDA) Hon. Ossy Onuko has been drawn to a media report circulating on various social media platforms claiming that the agency is currently building 1,200 shops for the street traders who were dislodged in the recent enforcement drive of the agency.
“The Agency, in line with its development control mandate, has demolished shanties in some places in the state capital city and has declared war on traders who display their goods on the road and walkways. However, in the uncommon display of empathy and care, the Governor Prof. Charles Chukwuma Soludo directed the agency to assiduously work on getting alternatives for those affected by our enforcement activities.
“In obedience to Mr Governor’s directive, the agency has identified places where these open stalls will be built and is currently constructing 50 units of open shops in Club Road Awka to accommodate street traders who were dislodged in the whole Oby Okoli/Club Road axis.
“However, there is nowhere 1,200 shops construction was going on except in the imagination of the writer of the article. The general public should disregard such news.”
