There is tension in Anambra State, following the alleged destruction of newspapers and sacking of vendors on the streets by Awka Capital Territory Development Authority (ACTDA).
The agency has been packing and destroying goods of widows and the less privileged since last December.
The development has forced the vendors to down tools, planning for protest any moment from now.
One of their leaders, who preferred anonymity, told The Nation yesterday in Awka that they were planning to send a petition to Governor Chukwuma Soludo.
The situation has increased
tension in the state, as newspapers are not being sold in Anambra State.
The tables of the vendors were destroyed, while their umbrellas were burnt by the agents of the government.
The development has attracted the attention of the House of Assembly, who has urged Governor Soludo to direct the Special Adviser on Trade and Market and the Managing Director, ACTDA, to begin the construction of affordable local mini markets in Awka metropolis.
This, according to the lawmakers, was to control street trading and its effects on Awka.
The sponsor of the motion was Henry Mbachu, the member representing Awka South 1 Constituency.
Making his submission, Mbachu said poverty rate was on the increase, adding that creating avenues for people to earn a living had become mandatory.
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“There are many quarters within Awka metropolis, which create the need to establish local mini-markets to serve the people living within those areas.
“It is nearly impossible to secure a shop within the already established markets and the rent of the limited shops is high.
“The creation of mini-markets within Awka metropolis will solve the menace of shanties, street trading and serve as a means of encouraging micro businesses, thereby achieving the goals of making Anambra a livable and prosperous homeland,” the lawmaker said.
Soludo’s Press Secretary, Mr. Christian Aburime, told The Nation that he was not aware of the situation, but promised to reach out to the MD of the agency.
He said there should be designated places for vendors, adding that everywhere in the world, vendors, especially those at designated centres, were not affected by such policies.
Aburime said keeping Anambra clean was for everyone, adding that even in Lagos, they were allowed to stay at designated areas.
The destruction by the agency has affected many people, including widows, the poor and needy, whose goods, food and other items were packed and burnt or poured away.