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 measures would follow non-compliance.
Mofunanya issued the directive 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 aimed at assessing the condition of the affected building, which had reportedly suffered a partial collapse and a previous fire outbreak, as well as identifying 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 stressed that the council would no longer tolerate the practice, urging affected traders to remove their goods from roadsides and other prohibited areas before the expiration of the deadline.
Mofunanya explained that 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.
