Ben Ezechime, Enugu
The Enugu State Government says it has planned the construction of a new International Motor Spare Parts and Allied Trades Market at 9th mile corner in Udi Local Government Area.
The Managing Director, Enugu State Investment Development Authority, Dr. Sam Ogbu-Nwobodo, disclosed this during a meeting with the expanded leadership of the Enugu Motor Spare Parts and Allied Trades Association, Coal Camp, Enugu.
He said that the market was in line with the electoral promises Governor Peter Mbah made to traders at Coal Camp that his administration would build a world-class market for them.
He regretted that the present condition of the traders at Coal Camp was pathetic and prone to environmental hazards.
“The present condition of the traders at Coal Camp is nothing to write home about. During the last campaign period, they asked the state government to provide them with a more conducive environment that could accommodate all of them.
“Today, as we speak, work has commenced on the site. The governor is fulfilling the promises he made to the traders, and he is relentless in making sure that their businesses grow,” he said.
Speaking on the key facilities that would be in place, he said, “It is going to be an ecosystem that supports modern businesses, commercial and light industrial activities.
“There will be facilities like modern shops and warehouses, police post, fire protection architecture, sufficient conveniences, banks, parks, school, health facility, union centre, recreational facilities, and other things that will enable business growth.”
Ogbu-Nwobodo said the choice of 9th Mile was strategic because it is a major business hub in the state and the building of the market there would give more impetus for further development around the area, adding that it would create easy access for shoppers coming from the Northern States, Ebonyi and Cross River states, Central Africa, and other locations, saving dealers the stress of navigating through the city before offloading or exporting their goods.
“9th Mile is a major business hub in the state, and this will give more impetus for further development around the area. We should equally recall that there is already a free trade zone built by the state in the area. This site will accommodate all the traders and leave more room for expansion in the future,” he said.
