The Anambra government has reaffirmed its commitment to sustain ongoing market regeneration aimed at boosting economic activities, improve urban planning, and ensure safer trading environments across the State.
The resolution follows Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s inspection tour of major commercial hubs, including the New Parts Market, Nkpor Motor Park, and the Mgbuka Obosi Auto Spare Parts Market – all in the Idemili North Local Government Area – which altogether form one of the largest automotive and spare parts trading clusters in West Africa.
During the visit, Soludo expressed concerns over indiscriminate roadside trading, traffic congestion, environmental degradation, and safety risks.
He announces that market regeneration efforts will commence to improve traffic flow, enhance public safety, restore environmental order, and create more sustainable commercial centres capable of supporting the state’s growing economy.
Following traders’ complaints of flooding and outrageous house rents in the area, the governor gives the traders assurances of addressing the issues promptly to ensure that economic growth balances with environmental sustainability, public safety, and orderly urban development.
He remarked: “We are coming. Very soon, all these places, including Sacamori, where flooding spills into the market and disrupts business activities, will become a thing of the past. Anambra must excel. We are here to ensure that Anambra excels. To the landlords, despite the difficult economic times, you continue to increase rents.
“Let me be honest with you, even before your complaints reached us, we already knew what was happening because I am on the streets, too. Rents are not only being increased, but tenants are also being compelled to pay one, two, or even four years’ rent in advance. That is not right. After making these advance payments, tenants still have to pay agents’ fees.
“The poor must be allowed to breathe. The roads we are constructing are to save people from taking their vehicles to the mechanic every week. We are providing water and electricity, offering free education in all public schools, and free maternal healthcare services in government hospitals. All these interventions are designed to improve the lives of ordinary people. That is why we must address the issue of tenancy and rent very soon, because the poor must be allowed to breathe,” the governor said.
The Soludo administration is determined to transform Anambra into a liveable and prosperous homeland, and as implementation begins, stakeholders are expected to collaborate with the government to ensure that the state’s commercial centres remain productive, accessible, and globally competitive.