RVHA Moves To Halt Street Trading

The Rivers State House of Assembly has given a two-week ultimatum to all illegal traders operating on the streets of Port Harcourt and its environs to desist from the act or face stiff penalties.

The move followed a motion by Hon Augustine Ngo of Abua/Odual Constituency, yesterday, drawing the attention of the Assembly to the indiscriminate activities of traders on the Creek Road market axis and other adjoining streets of Bonny, Niger, Bende and Victoria in the old Port Harcourt township.

Hon Ngo in his motion, said the activities of these street traders, apart from affecting vehicles and pedestrian movement, have obscured the effort of the Rivers State Government at restoring the scenic beauty of the city.

He said the affected roads are littered with all manners of goods, such as  foodstuff, vegetable fruits, kitchen utensils, fish and meat products, condiments, building materials and textile”.

Hon Sam Eligwe of Ahoada West Constituency who seconded the motion, said the issue of street trading has become a lingering issue in the state that defies solutions”.

In his contribution, Hon Micheal Chinda of Obio/Akpor constituency II, said sterner measures should be adopted by the House to effect compliance with the existing Rivers State Road Safety laws No.5,passed by the Assembly.

He said all the authorities saddled with the responsibility of clearing obstructions on the roads should be directed by the Assembly to immediately address the issue of street trading.

Hon Ikunyi Igbani of Andoni Constituency also urged the Assembly to call on concerned authorities, such as local government council officials, and Ministry of Environment to rid the roads of the menace of street trading.

House Leader, Hon Chidi Lloyd also supported the motion and called for the extension of the action to other affected areas like Garrison and Oil Mill.

The member representing Oyigbo Constituency, Hon Okechukwu Nwaogu said the return of street trading despite several attempts to stop the nuisance was because of complicity on the part of officials who collect money from the traders.

Hon Legborsi Nwidadah of Khana Constituency I, who also supported the motion, added that the move should be extended to all the local government areas in the state.

The Speaker, Rt Hon Otelemaba Amachree directed that the chairman of Port Harcourt City Local Government, the Commissioner for Environment and the chairman of the Rivers State Sanitation  Authority be served by the Clerk of the Assembly to effect compliance within two weeks.

Taneh Beemene

Members of Rivers State House of Assembly. From right, Hon. Evans Bipi, Hon. Okechukwu Nwaogu, Hon. Legborsi Nwidadah and Hon. Miller Anderson after sitting at the Assembly complex, Monday. Photo: Chris Monyanaga