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From Jude Chinedu, Enugu
Traders at the popular GSM market, Enugu, have rejected a motion reportedly passed by the Enugu State House of Assembly, urging the state government to relocate them to the Trade Fair Shopping Complex located at Gulf Estate, GRA, Enugu.
The traders, who have appealed to Governor Peter Mbah to intervene, argued that the proposed location is a private venture and not a government initiative.
Speaking with journalists in Enugu yesterday, the traders expressed dismay that the state assembly endorsed what they described as a scheme by real estate promoters to mislead the public by presenting the relocation as a government project in order to boost patronage.
One of the traders, Martin Agbo, said the move came as a shock to them.
He said: “We recently got information that the House of Assembly passed a motion urging the state government to relocate us to a private property at Gulf Estate, GRA. It was surprising because the motion was presented as though the governor had allocated a new space to us.
“We know the process the government follows when planning such relocations. First, they earmark a site, inform the affected traders and open the allocation at an affordable rate. They also provide structural guidelines to prevent indiscriminate development. But in this case, none of that happened.
“What we discovered is that some individuals are trying to set up a phone complex there. It’s a private initiative, not a government project. Our findings showed that some real estate players are using their political connections to push this motion in the House to drive up interest in their shops.
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“They packaged it as a government-backed plan so that unsuspecting traders would rush to buy into it. But we, the GSM traders, know better. That’s why none of us are moving there. Besides, most of us can’t afford the cost of shops in that complex,” he said.
Agbo also dismissed claims that the current GSM Village was congested.
“Our business deals in phones, accessories, power banks and repairs. It’s not a bulky business that requires loading or trucking. Customers need easy access and that’s what we currently enjoy. If someone has a broken phone screen, asking them to go all the way to Gulf Estate, where there’s no direct transportation, will discourage them. Our present location is accessible and free from traffic congestion.”
Corroborating Agbo’s position, the Chairman of GSM Village Market Phase 2, Daniel Uzor, called on the state government to disregard the motion, warning that it could disrupt the livelihood of thousands of traders and artisans.
“GSM markets are typically situated within city centres due to the nature of the business. Our current location is calm, traffic-free and easily accessible from all parts of Enugu metropolis.
“We’re not opposed to relocation, but it must be done properly and transparently. For now, this location remains the most suitable for our trade,” Uzor said.
He also advised the House of Assembly to carry out due diligence before passing motions, as such decisions have far-reaching effects on the lives of ordinary citizens,” he explained.
