By Chioma Ezeiru/Florence Oduah/Charity Ejiofor/Chinaza Okoye/Anastasia Ezenwa
The Anambra State Government has inaugurated the magnificent ultra modern Solution Market and Park in Ekwulobia to accommodate traders affected and displaced by the demolition of Ekwulobia park and construction of flyover at Ekwulobia roundabout.
While inaugurating the projects, Governor Chukwuma Soludo said that the mission and vision of his administration is urban regeneration like no other.
“Our urban regeneration plan and agenda is to bring light into cities and neighborhoods that are in desolation. We are using this place as a model for market development in the state.
“This might be the first market that government has consciously built with a purpose. It is not because we are investing in markets, but because it is part of our urban regeneration agenda.
“This open market and park which has toilet facility, parking space, canteen, water supply, solar power, leisure and administrative block was constructed to accommodate petty traders, buses, keke and okada riders who were displaced by the demolition, construction of flyover and on-going massive regeneration of Ekwulobia roundabout.
“We decided that we will not just ask them to leave, but also provide them with an alternative, which is why we built this conducive market and park that has all the necessary facilities and equipment in it, so that these traders who toil day and night for their living, will do so in an environment with some comfort and also enjoy minimum pleasure.”
Gov. Soludo who pleaded for the efficient, effective utilization and management of the property, stressed that the market must be allocated free of charge and first to the beneficiaries who are in most desperate need because the focus is on empathy and compassion for the poor and less privileged.
“We are intentionally developing all parts of the state as well as our human capital which is our greatest asset. We are raising the standard and we must care even for the least amongst us,” he said.
Speaking with newsmen, the Aguata All Progressivei Grand Alliance(APGA) Woman Leader and market women coordinator, Lady Eucharia Onebunne expressed gratitude to Prof. Soludo for giving succor and hope to market women who were badly affected by the demolition of Ekwulobia park and pledged their massive support to his government.
“Prof. Chukwuma Soludo has done noble to us the market women. When Ekwulobia park was demolished, the women there were confused and sad, they did not know what to do. But Gov. Soludo in his benevolence decided to restore us and thought it wise to build this ultra modern market and give it free of charge to us. The market women are happy and overwhelmed with joy, we will continue to support his administration and vote him for second tenure come November 8,” she said.
Similarly, the Chairman Aguata tricycle riders, Mr. Nnamdi Ezibe praised Gov. Soludo for his good work in the state, most especially the construction of Uga – Ekwulobia double carriage way and rehabilitation of Igboukwu road which was a nightmare to them and pledged their support in the next Guber election.
The information officers are of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State
