South-East Market Leaders Laud FG Over Projects

The South-East Amalgamated Market Traders Association (SEAMATA), has commended the Federal Government for embarking on projects aimed at boosting transportation in the zone.

The body made the commendation in Onitsha last Wednesday after a meeting held to discuss the challenges facing traders in the South-East.

SEAMATA president, Chief Okwudili Ezenwankwo, told newsmen that the federal government had “matched words with action” having completed 75 per cent work on the on-going dredging of the River Niger and Onitsha River Port rehabilitation.

Ezenwankwo said the zone was expectant about government’s promise to commence work on the proposed second Niger Bridge.

He said the meeting also discussed issues bordering on encumbrances to the free movement of goods and services within the zone as well as undue levies paid by traders.

“We are also using this medium to call on the South-East governors and Academic Staff Union of Universities, South-East Chapter, to find a way of ending their face-off since the present strike situation is affecting traders’ sales in the zone.

“ Most of the people in the zone, who are mostly traders, have their wards in these schools,’’ he said.

Also speaking, Secretary of SEAMATA, Mr Temple Udeh, said the association was established to give traders a sense of belonging and a platform to pursue their common interests.

He said the body was grateful to the federal government for granting the Akanu Ibiam Airport international status.

“The traders in the zone need access to efficient transport system which we know the federal government is already addressing.

“ We also want the government to facilitate the quick rehabilitation of dilapidated federal roads within the South-East,” Udeh said.