The Government of Abia State has announced the suspension of all form of construction work in all markets owned or maintained by the government.
Chief John Okiyi Kalu, the Commissioner for Trade and Commerce who announced the development, said the action is “in a bid to ensure effective review of market development in the state”, thus “contractors and allottees are hereby informed of the immediate suspension of ongoing and yet-to-commence construction works in all markets across the State.”
He further stated that: “Security agencies have been put on notice to ensure strict compliance as no government will sit idly and watch the reckless conversion of designated parks and other open areas in our markets to other uses.
“Chairmen and Chief Security Officers of the respective markets are by this announcement charged to ensure strict compliance with government directives in this regard.”
The Commissioner also disclosed that developers handling the Ahia Ohuru and Ariaria reconstruction projects in Aba are exempted from this directive.
He enjoined the market committee chairmen to liaise with these developers bearing in mind the agreed delivery dates.