Ikpeazu revokes Ngwa Road Market construction contract
… Bans roasting of fish, animals in Abia
From Boniface Okoro, Umuahia
Abia State governor, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu, has revoked the contract for the ongoing redevelopment work of the Ngwa Road Market in Aba, the commercial hub of Abia State, even as he has banned roasting of fish and other animals, as well as cooking within the major markets in the state, following a fire outbreak at the same Ngwa Road Market.
It was learnt that Ikpeazu who undertook an inspection tour of the Ngwa Road Market, remodeling project Thursday, took the decision to cancel the contract as a result of the shoddy and slow pace of work by the contractor handling the project.
At the end of the inspection of the reconstruction work at the market, Ikpeazu was said to have directed the Commissioner for Trade and Investment, Chief John Okiyi Kalu, to look for another contractor that would deliver lines 4-6 before May 29, 2023.
The Commissioner for Trade and Investment told newsmen that the Governor meant well for the traders and promised to implement his directive.
Meanwhile, Governor Ikpeazu has directed an immediate ban on roasting of fish and other animals, as well as cooking within the major markets in the state.
The ban is sequel to the fire incident of Tuesday, February 8, at line 27 of Ngwa Road Market, Aba which affected two shops and was kindled as a result of a fish roaster’s stove that was not put off after close of business.
The Commissioner for Trade and Investment, Chief John Okiyi Kalu, in a statement on the fire incident, said the government was grateful to God that the market authorities and other sympathizers were able to deploy available fire-fighting equipment to quickly contain the fire.
“We wish to encourage all market executives to fully implement the guidelines on fire protection within our markets, including ensuring that no flammable material is allowed to be stored within the market; as well as effectively distribute fire extinguishers,” Okiyi stated.
The Commissioner disclosed that Governor Ikpeazu has directed his ministry to evaluate the extent of damage to goods at the two affected shops with a view to supporting the concerned traders.
Meanwhile, Ikpeazu who was on inspection visit to the market on Thursday, February 9, 2023, while thanking God that no life was lost and the fire did not escalate, gave N500, 000 each to the owners of the two shops affected in the fire incident as support.
