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From Okey Sampson, Umuahia
Abia State Governor, Okezie Ikpeazu has cancelled the contract for the ongoing remodelling of Ngwa Road Market.
This is as he has banned the roasting of fish, other animals and cooking in major markets of the state. The governor stated this while on an inspection of the Ngwa road project. He was irked by the shoddy work done at the market by the contractor, Dr. Uju Anusionwu of Peacock Urban Regeneration Limited.
The governor directed the Commissioner for Trade and Investment, John Kalu to look for another contractor that would deliver lines 4-6 of the market before May 29.
Reacting to Tuesday’s fire incident at the market, the governor thanked God that no life was lost and gave N500, 000 each to owners of the two shops affected.
He said the ban on roasting of fish, other animals as well as cooking within major markets in the state was to forestall future outbreak of fire and attendant loss to business owners.
The fire incident of February 8, at line 27 of Ngwa Road Market which affected two shops has been linked to a fish roaster’s stove that was left on after close of business.
Ikpeazu lauded the market authorities and other sympathizers for deploying available fire fighting equipment to quickly contain the fire. He directed the Ministry of Trade and Investment to evaluate the extent of damage to goods at the two affected shops with a view to supporting the concerned traders.
Commissioner for Trade and Investment, Okiyi-Kalu said the governor meant well for traders and promised to implement the order of the governor to the letter.
