MOFUNANYA GIVES OCHANJA TRADERS FRESH DEADLINE TO VACATE ROADSIDE SPACES. (PHOTO). #PRESS RELEASE

 Mofunanya Gives Ochanja Traders Fresh Deadline to Vacate Roadside Spaces

By Juliana Nwachukwu

The Mayor of Onitsha South Local Government Area, Hon. Ikechukwu Mofunanya has given traders occupying unauthorised roadside spaces at Ochanja Central Market until next week to vacate, warning that enforcement would follow.

Mofunanya issued the directive on Nov. 4, during an unannounced inspection of Block O of the market, following concerns over a partially collapsed building and the continued obstruction of public spaces by roadside traders.

The inspection was intended to assess the condition of the affected building, which had reportedly suffered a partial collapse and a previous fire outbreak, and identify potential safety risks to traders, customers and other market users.

Speaking during the exercise, the mayor expressed displeasure over traders' continued disregard for previous government directives prohibiting roadside trading and the occupation of unauthorised spaces.

"We have warned them several times, but they have continued to take our warnings for granted," he said.

He warned that the council would no longer tolerate the practice, urging affected traders to remove their goods from roadsides and other prohibited areas ahead of the planned enforcement.

Mofunanya said the directive was intended to restore order, protect lives and property, ensure free movement and promote a more organised commercial environment, rather than frustrate legitimate business activities.

He reiterated his administration's commitment to enforcing existing regulations, stressing that public roads and walkways must remain accessible to motorists and pedestrians.

The mayor was accompanied by the Secretary to the Local Government, Mr Paul Onuachalla; Chief of Staff, Barr. Kenechukwu Oguejiofor; Supervisors for Security, Environment and Works, Hon. Modilim Chukwuedozie Samuel, Hon. Peter Madueke and Hon. Ethel Umeh, respectively; and Hon. Nelson Ojukwu, among other council officials.