Urban Dev Taskforce Clamps Down On Illegal Trading

A taskforce in-charge
of development control from the Ministry of Urban Development  and physical planning on Friday descended heavily on road side traders at the Afikpo/Ikwerre road area of Diobu, as property and goods were destroyed.
The Tide observed that the traders whose shanties and structures were destroyed few months ago had gradually made their way back to the area, and were displaying their commodities in the morning hours before the arrival of the taskforce.
Tables and food items for sales among other things were destroyed by officials of the taskforce in the late morning hours of Friday, where traders were seen scampering to secure some of their items.
Director, Development Control of the Ministry, Mina Aprioku had in an earlier interview with The Tide said that the area taken over for road side trading by traders at Afikpo/Ikwerre road is illegal and has defaced the beauty of the city.
He said that no trader will be allowed to put up any form of structure or sell goods in the area, especially in the day time.
The director, however, agreed that the move will be gradual and consistent, considering the fact that such activities had been going on there over the years, adding that all efforts are geared to restore the city to its original garden city status.
It would be recalled that the Ministry of Urban development earlier last year declared war on street trading and accompanying illegal structures in line with urban renewal programme of the present  administration in the state.
The Commissioner of Urban Development, Dr. T.W. Danagogo had warned street traders to restrict themselves to areas designated for such purposes.

Corlins Walter