The Anambra House of Assembly has called for the construction of affordable mini-shops and markets within the Awka metropolis to curb the menace of street trading.

This was stated in a motion moved under Matters of Urgent Public Importance by Henry Mbachu, a member representing Awka South constituency I, at plenary on Wednesday.

Mr Mbachu, while making his submission, lamented that the only existing market in the Awka capital territory could not serve the needs of residents, and it was far from residential areas.

He said people also resorted to building roadside shades to trade because they could not afford the high rent for the lock-up shops.

The legislator stated, “The rising rate of poverty in Nigeria is very alarming, thereby plugging millions of people into extreme poverty. It is nearly impossible to secure a shop within the already established market, and the prices of the limited shops that are available are exorbitant.

“The residents of Awka metropolis, due to hardship, resorted to roadside trading to make ends meet, thereby distorting the aesthetics of the capital city.”

He added, “This was why the relevant authority applied measures to stop the menace of street trading while the outcome was unpleasant.

“I am convinced that the creation of mini-markets and shops within Awka metropolis will solve the menace of shanties and serve as a means of encouraging micro businesses.”

Supporting the motion, Emma Nwafor, a member representing the Orumba South constituency, said many petty traders were stranded following the demolition of roadside shanties.

“If we can have affordable mini markets, these traders will be registered, and the government can also generate revenues,” he said.

Contributing, Golden Iloh, representing Ihiala state constituency II, said most petty traders were trading with less than N50,000 and could not afford to rent a shop for N250.

He said the construction of affordable mini-markets would assist the small business sector and reduce traffic gridlock and road crashes.

While reading the resolution, the speaker, Somtochukwu Udeze, urged corporate organisations to support the government in establishing the mini markets.

He stated, “The assembly urges Governor Chukwuma Soludo to direct the special adviser for trade and market and the managing director, Awka Capital Development Authority, to begin construction of affordable mini markets to control the menace of street trading and associated effects on the state capital.” 

(NAN)