Aka Eze Aka, the Executive Chairman of Udenu Local Government Area of Enugu State, on Saturday met with the leadership of the Amalgamated Association of Obollo Afor Market Traders as part of efforts to foster inclusive governance and addressing issues affecting the market.
The engagement was facilitated by the Senior Special Assistant to the chairman, on political matters, Chief Basil Obetta at the instance of the chairman.
Speaking at the event held at Obollo Afor, headquarters of Udenu LGA, Aka appreciated the traders for their support during his electioneering.The engagement, which was interactive also provided both parties the opportunity to address key infrastructural projects, tax/revenue reforms, and environmental concerns affecting the traders and customers at Obollo Afor Market.
The Chairman highlighted several state-backed projects as well as local government infrastructural development projects, currently being embarked on by the administration.
He noted the significance of the projects in improving the socio-economic lives of the people.The projects according to him, include the Green Smart Schools, Type II Healthcare Centers, the 1km link road between Old Oturkpo road and New Makurdi Road, and the 19.8KM Obollo-Eke-Isienu-Ibenda-Okpakerekere-Ogwu Obollo Afor road.
He assured the people that the 1km link road that passed through Ozo Ji – Ukwu Akpu Obollo Afor Market would be completed before the third week of next month.
“This link road is expected to significantly ease traffic congestion in the market area, facilitating smoother movements of goods and services.
“The completion of this road will not only boost trade by improving accessibility but will also ease marketers’ tension, thereby stimulating economic growth, ” Aka said.The chairman revealed that he was currently in discussions with the Enugu State Government for partnership to secure counterpart funding for the construction of the 19.8,,km Obollo-Eke-Isienu-Ibenda-Okpakerekere-Ogwu Obollo Afor road.
According to him, this was crucial for rural-urban connectivity.“When completed, the road will drastically reduce transportation costs for traders and farmers moving goods to and from the market.
“Additionally, it will enhance access to social services such as healthcare and education for rural dwellers, while fostering local trade and commerce.“The road connects over 12 Communities, harboring over 110,000 population of adult men and women in their productive ages,” he said.
Aka further announced plans to asphalt the Obollo Afor Motor Park and renovate the market.
“This facelift will not only improve the aesthetic appeal of the market but will also create a more organised and efficient trading environment.
“The enhancement of the motor park will ensure better traffic flow, reducing vehicular congestion and improving overall accessibility, ” he said.The executive chairman also announced plans for a complete overhaul of the market’s drainage systems to check flooding.
He directed that all the structures obstructing waterways, especially along Obollo Eke Road down to Apo Filling Station axis be removed.
He said that the execution of the drainage system overhaul would drastically reduce the risk of floods, protect traders’ goods from water damage and ensure safer trading conditions.The chairman equally declared that all revenue collection must now be centralised under the Local Government Revenue Authority to eliminate multiple taxation.
He warned against unauthorised tax collectors who have been extorting traders using unfounded entitlements and warned against those doing so in the guise of government-sanctioned revenue agents.
He emphasised that henceforth, any trader paying levies to unauthorised individuals or groups do so at their own risk.
“This tax reform will provide much-needed relief to market traders, ensuring that they operate in a fair and regulated business environment.
“By eliminating extortion and streamlining tax collection, traders can reinvest in their businesses, leading to increased productivity and overall economic growth, ” he said.
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