Anambra Government through Operation Clean and Health Anambra, OCHA Brigade, has once again intensify efforts to curb street trading in the state.
ANN reports that with the introduction of 24/7 patrol by OCHA Brigade led by Comrade Celestine Anere, the Managing Director/Chief Executive of the Brigade, it won’t be business as usual.
The Brigade on Tuesday raided major flashpoints in Amawbia axis of Enugu-Onitsha Expressway; Ochanja, Woliwo, Iweka road, Tazan junction in Onitsha Metropolis and Ezeiweka road, Awada Obosi carted away illegally displayed wares and food items worth millions of naira.
While addressing traders and residents on the negative effects of street trading on the state, Comrade Anere stated that an all-round operation against it would be carried out in all parts of the state
According to him, the residents of the state were being made to face avoidable traffic jam and hardship due to street trading and explained that the operation would be directed at those displaying of wares by the roadside, illegal blocking of streets for social activities, among others and assured that his officers would also continue to move against illegal collection of fees from transporters.
The OCHA Brigade boss revealed that, elimination of street trading would drastically reduce the rising cases of traffic robbery being reported daily on Anambra roads and assured Ndi Anambra that the agency would not rest on its oars in ensuring that sanity is maintained in all parts of the state.
While the traders blame rising cost of renting a shop as a major factor fuelling street trading, other stakeholders said the government might find it difficult to win the war against the menace as long as it continues to ticket the traders.
