Akwa Ibom State Government has ordered all street traders, hawkers, and operators of illegal markets around the plaza area, airport road, Aka- Etinan junction, and other highbrow areas are to relocate to designated trading places on or before February 01, 2021, or be prepared to face the wrath of the law.
The Commissioner for Environment, Mr. Charles Udoh, gave the order in a statement which was made available to pressmen.
Udoh disclosed that the activities of Street traders and illegal markets impede the free flow of traffic and expose traders and the general public to road hazards, adding the new order was in line with the state’s policy of Environmental Beautification.
“In line with Akwa Ibom State Government’s commitment to promoting a cleaner, hygienic and aesthetically resplendent environment, the Ministry of Environment is launching ‘Operation zero tolerance’ to street trading and illegal markets in the Uyo Capital City (UCC).
“The increasing wave of illegal activities of street traders, indiscriminate display of goods on road setbacks, walkways, and hawking on major roads; particularly around the Plaza Area, Wellington Bassey Road, Airport Road, Aka-Etinan Road junction and other highbrow areas in the metropolis has become a major cause for concern.
“These activities impede the free flow of traffic as well as expose traders and the general public to road hazards.
“Accordingly, all street traders, hawkers, and operators of illegal markets around the plaza area, airport road, Aka- Etinan junction, and other highbrow areas are advised to relocate to designated trading places on or before February 01, 2021, or be prepared to face the wrath of the law,” he said.
He also noted that the announcement served as the last warning prelude to the enforcement of this order by the Enforcement team of the Ministry of Environment.
“The current administration is committed to fast-tracking the vision of sustaining our state as an environmentally friendly and the preferred destination for tourists and investors. A beautiful environment starts with you. Let’s do it together,” he stated.
