Traders at Old Market in Umuna Orlu LGA, Imo State, have urged Governor Hope Uzodinma to come to their rescue as the market block is at risk of collapsing.
According to the chairman of the market, Mr. Uchenna Anokute, the traders raised the alarm following the discovery of serious structural defects which according to him posed imminent danger.
He expressed concern over the safety of the traders and buyers, noting that fear has become a daily occurrence in their hearts as they carry out their trading activities.
Anokute, on behalf of the traders, appealed to the Governor to see the matter as an emergency situation and commence work before tragedy happens.
He added that the swift Government action would not only avert disaster but also ensure safety among traders who depend on the market for their livelihood.
Responding to the call, the Supervisory Councillor for Health in Orlu LGA, Anselm Okonkwo, after a joint inspection with the State Government technical team, acknowledged that the market is at high risk of collapse, caused by the weakness of the foundation of the building.
He warned that continued use of the facility posed a direct threat to human lives and insisted that immediate demolition remained the safest approach to it.
Okonkwo asserted that the deteriorating state of the market leaves no room for delay and urged the State Government to pull down the affected structure and build a new one that would meet safety standards and serve the growing needs of the traders.
Imo traders call on Uzodinma to fix collapsing market structure
