The Anambra State Government said it has reached an agreement with traders to commence the phased remodeling of the Onitsha Main Market to improve infrastructure and ensure a more organised and sustainable trading environment.

The state governor, Chukwuma Soludo, stated this on Friday after a dialogue with traders from the Onitsha Main Market and adjoining markets at the Government House, Awka.

Mr Soludo said the engagement resulted in a mutual agreement with traders to begin immediate reinvigoration of the market.

He noted that the exercise would be carried out in phases to minimise disruption of commercial activities.

The governor said that leadership sometimes required taking inconvenient, but necessary decisions to secure the future.

He said the exercise was aimed at repositioning the market to global standards.

Mr Soludo added, “The key components of the emergency intervention include the reclamation of market parks, restoration of walkways and  construction of public conveniences.

Others are repainting and colour-coding of shops and trading lines, among others.”

Mr Soludo added that the initiative was in line with his administration’s manifesto to develop planned and sustainable cities, communities and markets across the state.

Earlier, Chairman of Onitsha Main Market, Chijioke Okpalugo, told the governor that traders had opted for the remodeling option proposed by the government.

Mr Okpalugo, however, appealed for some time to enable traders remove their goods from areas affected by illegal structures.

(NAN)