1, 000 new shops added remodeled Ariaria Market, as shop owners debunk being denied allocation
From Boniface Okoro, Umuahia
Shop owners at the remodeled A-Line lock-up shops in Ariaria International Market, Aba, known as members of the Ariaria Allottees Traders Association (AATA), have revealed that an additional 1, 000 remodeled shops have been added to the market.
They made the revelation while debunking allegations that their members were being denied allocation in the market in the ongoing reallocation of shops.
The Traders who made the clarification in a Communiqué presented to newsmen at the end of their meeting held at the A-line Section of the Ariria International Market, explained that while 3,800 shops were demolished, 4,800 new ones have been remodeled, which means an additional 1,000 shops have been remodeled and were available for allocation to interested traders.
The Communiqué jointly signed by the Chairman, Ariaria Allottees Traders Association
Chief Goddy Udunna, and Secretary, Mr Boniface Enemuo, added that about 85 percent of previous shop owners have successfully re-acquired their shops.
The Association dismissed the claims made by “some mischievous groups” as false and misleading and capable of causing chaos in the otherwise peaceful market. They group also raised concerns over what it described as “malicious propaganda” by a splinter group within the National Association of Nigerian Traders (NANTS), Ariaria Chapter.
It further criticized the said splinter group for attempting to undermine the project by spreading misinformation about shop allocations while failing to participate in the process by obtaining and filling interest forms.
The Association alleged that individuals, who discouraged others from applying for the loan by asserting that the project would fail, were now creating unnecessary agitation and warned them to desist from undermining the efforts of the State Government.
They emphasized that the State Government’s efforts have significantly improved the market’s infrastructure and urged all previous and potential shop owners to comply with the allocation process in order to reacquire their shops.
The Association reaffirmed their support for Governor Alex Otti’s vision for the state and called on all stakeholders to desist from activities that could undermine the Market’s progress.
Some allottees, including Mr. Frank Moses and Mrs. Ewenwa Edith, who spoke to newsmen, commended the state government for its sustained efforts in making the project a reality and lauded the contractor handling the project for demonstrating commitment and dedication.
Criteria for obtaining a shop, according to the allottees, included purchasing an Expression of Interest Form for N20,000, along with payment of N5 Million, for existing traders; and N6 Million for new traders. They added that no trader was allotted a shop for free, as all shop owners in the market met the stipulated requirements before securing their spaces.
They expressed disappointment over attempts by certain individuals to stir trouble by demanding free allocation of shops, describing such actions as unfortunate.
Recall that the Line-A Ariaria International Market remodeling project, started by the Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu-led administration, has been mired in controversy as many shop owners had feared that they may not be re-allotted their shops when the remodeling is completed. The fears heightened with the coming of the administration of Dr. Alex Otti.
But Governor Otti vowed that no shop owner would be denied their shops after the remodeling, except such a person does not want the shop again.
The Governor maintained that the shop owners should be given the right of first refusal before their shops would be re-allotted.
He said that the government would guarantee loans for those who lack the money to pay for the remodeled shops, to ensure that they do not lose their shops.
