…Warns against Display of Wares on Roads, Sidewalks
By Jude Atupulazi
The Anambra State Government has threatened to deal with those failing to comply with its directive to desilt drainage in their business places, even as it has restated its resolve to stop the display of wares on roads and sidewalks.
In a press statement signed by the Information Commissioner, Sir Paul Nwosu, the government regretted that in spite of the fact that Governor Chukwuma Soludo, had shown good example by repeatedly going out to desilt gutters and drainages in Ochanja Market and its surroundings, the traders were not reciprocating.
In a circular by the Ministry of Environment dated 20th February, 2024, markets, estates, parks, layouts, neighborhoods, streets, schools, churches, abattoirs, shopping complexes, plazas and all public spaces, had been directed to carry out desilting exercises from 23rd February to Friday 15th March, 2024.
The statement read, ‘Government is sad to note that in spite of all the notifications and media announcements, those concerned have not heeded these warnings to desilt gutters and drainages in their environment.
Henceforth, Operation Clean and Healthy Anambra (OCHA Brigade) will be on active patrol to ensure compliance with these directives.
‘Anybody or group caught flouting this directive shall be penalized according to the law. Government is determined to maintain and sustain a clean and healthy environment.
In the same vein, the Anambra State Government said it had noticed with dismay, what it called the unwarranted display of goods and wares on the newly constructed roads and sidewalks, obstructing free flow of vehicular movement and pedestrians.
Such incidents, it said, defeated the purpose for which the newly constructed roads and sidewalks were made.
A release by Sir Nwosu said this was particularly noticeable along Obodoukwu Road, Niger Street, Port Harcourt Road and a number of other locations in Onitsha where brand new roads had been constructed by the state government.
‘Traders are hereby directed to display their goods/wares 1.2 meters away from the road or sidewalks. Roads are meant for motor vehicles, while sidewalks are meant for pedestrians.
‘By this notice, traders are therefore warned to desist from displaying or selling or hawking items on these unauthorized places as anybody caught will be arrested and prosecuted,’ the statement warned.
