The Abia State Government has directed the suspension of ongoing and yet-to-commence construction works in all markets across the State.
In a statement issued by the Honourable Commissioner for Trade and Commerce, Chief John Okiyi Kalu, the directive followed the decision of the government to check some irregularities occuring in the market places.
According to the statement, the Commissioner directed market chairmen and security officers in the areas to ensure that the development is strictly adhered to.
The statement reads, “In a bid to ensure effective review of market development in the stayet-to-commence construction works in all markets across the State, the contractors and allottees are hereby informed of the immediate suspension of ongoing and yet-to-commence construction works in all markets across the State.
“Chairmen and Chief Security Officers of the respective markets are by this announcement charged to ensure strict compliance with government directives in this regard.
“Developers handling the Ahia Ohuru and Ariaria reconstruction projects in Aba are exempted from this directive. Market committee chairmen are further enjoined to liaise with these developers bearing in mind the agreed delivery dates.
“Security agencies have been put on notice to ensure strict compliance as no government will sit idly and watch the reckless conversion of designated parks and other open areas in our markets to other uses”.