The commissioner for Urban Development, Barrister Osima Ginah has dispelled rumours making the rounds over alleged plans to short-change traders displaced to pave way for the reconstruction of Rumuoji (Mile 1) Market, in the allocation of stalls, in the newly constructed ultra-modern market.

Barrister Ginah who made the clarification Friday while speaking to The Tide in Port Harcourt, noted that preference will be accorded the displaced traders of the market.

He, however, added that thereafter the allocation of the stalls will be thrown open to all traders.

This classification became necessary following allegations by a group of displaced traders to the effect that the committee raised by government to supervise the allocation intends to throw open the exercise to all and sundry, without preference to them (displaced traders).

But the commissioner made it clear that all traders including the displaced ones must purchase, fill and submit the stall allocation form currently available at the Ministry of Justice, Port Harcourt.

Towards ensuring equitable distribution of the stalls, Barrister Ginah further stated that the state governor, Rt Hon Chibuike Amachi had set up a committee under the chairmanship of Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Barrister Ken Chikere.

Other members of the committee, he said, include the Commissioner for Women Affairs, Barrister Immanuela George-Izunwa, Commissioner for Environment, Mr Kingsley Chindah, Commissioner for Works, Hon Dakuku Peterside, and himself the commissioner for Urban Development.

His Excellency, Governor Amaechi have directed the members of the committee to distribute the stalls equitably to the displaced traders. So we collated data of genuine displaced traders,” he said.

Ginah stated further that the committee is working with such data and will ensure that the displaced traders are given stalls before other traders.

The commissioner explained further that the stalls will be given out on payment of minimal fee to government by traders who will be lucky to get the allocation.

In order to ensure that money meant to be paid into government coffer are duly paid, he said, government has engaged the service of consultant, who will also ensure sanity, security and maintenance of the market.

The first phase of the completed market has 1000 stalls, while displaced traders of the section of the market are between 650 to 700.

According to the commissioner, building of the second phase of the market will commence after the allocation of the completed first phase.