The Awka Capital Territory Development Authority (ACTDA) has commenced the construction of 50 stalls to resettle displaced street traders and artisans in the city.

Ossy Onuko, ACTDA managing director, said this in Awka on Friday.

He said the stalls would be allocated free when completed to verified persons affected by the Awka City renewal enforcement exercise.

Mr Onuko dismissed reports that the agency was constructing 1,200 open shops for dislodged traders as misleading.

He said the open shops were on the popular Club roads and would serve as mini-mart for residents and visitors.

According to him, in line with its development control mandate, the agency has demolished shanties in some places in the state capital city and declared war on traders who display their goods on the road and walkways. 

“However, in the uncommon display of empathy and care, Governor Chukwuma Soludo directed the agency to assiduously work on getting alternatives for those affected by enforcement activities,” he said.

Mr Onuko said in compliance with the directive, the agency had identified places where open stalls would be built.

He said the spaces would be affordable to small business owners and urged affected persons to approach the ACTDA office for information on space allocation forms.

“Currently, we are constructing 50 units of open shops on Club Road Awka to accommodate street traders who were dislodged from the whole Oby Okoli/Club Road axis,” he said. 

(NAN)