Biz Owners In PH GRAs Get Quit Notice

The Rivers State Government has given business organisations located in the Government Reserved Area (GRA) in Port Harcourt one year within which to relocate as the original design of the place is for residential and not business purposes.

Governor Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi disclosed this yesterday while commissioning 53 cars procured by the Empowerment Support Initiative (ESI), a pet project of his wife Dame Judith Amaechi, for beneficiaries of its female taxi cab drivers scheme.

He said the government will from June 2010, enforce the original plan of the GRA, and advised all those using their premises for other purposes, outside residential which includes the ESI to make alternative arrangement.

The Governor said those who refused to relocate their businesses would face high taxation from government and advised them to look for alternative accommodation in their own interest.

The State Chief Executive pledged to support the initiative with 147 new cars to complement the good work the Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO) is doing to empower Rivers women.

He explained that another reason government has shown interest is because the effort would help to alleviate transportation difficulties experienced in the state particularly with the ban on commercial motorcyclists in Port Harcourt and its environs.

Rivers State Governor, Rt. Hon. Chibuike Amaechi (middle) recieving an address from the the state chairman of Nigerian Labour Congress, Comrade Chris Oruge while the state Deputy Governor Engr.Tele Ikuru, watches with interest during a Workers Day celebration in Port Harcourt. Photo: King Osila