Soludo Calls For Unity In Building Nigeria

By Ewa Ukpa

 

The Awka Capital Development Authority (ACTDA) has refuted claims circulating on various social media platforms that the agency is currently constructing 1,200 shops for street traders displaced during a recent enforcement drive.

The Head of Department, Development Control, ACTDA, Mr. Charles Ekwunife, responded to the media report, emphasizing that the agency is not engaged in the construction of 1,200 open shops in Awka, as suggested by the article. Ekwunife stated that the information is inaccurate and should be disregarded by the general public.

He stressed that the enforcement drive, conducted by ACTDA in line with its development control mandate, aimed to clear shanties and discourage traders from displaying goods on roads and walkways in the state capital. As part of an empathetic approach, Governor Chukwuma Soludo directed the agency to find suitable alternatives for those affected by the enforcement activities.

In compliance with the Governor's directive, ACTDA has identified specific locations for the construction of open shops and is currently working on erecting 50 units in Club Road, Awka. These open shops are intended to accommodate street traders who were displaced in the Oby Okoli/Club Road axis due to the enforcement activities.

Mr. Ekwunife, affirmed that the ongoing construction is limited to the 50 units in Club Road and not the reported 1,200 shops. He urged the public to disregard the misinformation and assured that ACTDA remains committed to its development control mandate while addressing the needs of affected traders.