As the deadline expires, tomorrow, some traders and transporters who are likely to be affected by the recent order of the Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike to rid the roads of trading and illegal parks have called for more time to enable them secure alternative locations.
This follows announcement, last week, by the state government that the task force headed by the governor would commence enforcement of the executive order tomorrow, Thursday April 12, 2018.
Speaking to The Tide over the directive, Chairman, Bayelsa Loading Bay in Mile One, Prince Emma Ogba called for more time since most of the transporters were yet to get new locations.
Ogba pleaded with the government to provide alternative locations since most of the transporters cannot afford to pay for new sites.
He held that if a new place was provided for the transporters, it would help generate revenue and decongest the roads.
Ogba commended the governor for the various infrastructural development projects done in the state, and assured their support to his administration.
A bread seller under the Flyover bridge, Ngozi Nwosu expressed fear that her business would collapse, since she cannot afford paying for a shop.
Nwosu said, “I will plead with the government to help us for now; many of us cannot afford a shop.”
She condemned the attitude of some hawkers who display their wares on the roads, arguing that such people should be arrested and prosecuted.
Another roadside trader, Eno Apkan also told The Tide that many traders hawk their wares on the roads because there were few but expensive shops to rent.
She called on government to build more markets and make shop rents cheaper for them.
A SIM card registration and recharge card seller, Amos Wilfred said street and road side hawking was booming due to lack of shops.
Wilfred suggested that all hawkers should find a way to organise themselves in a more civilised manner, in order to get government’s attention in providing them places where they could display their goods.