Relocating Traders From Ughelli Market Walkways: Iwhreko PG Appeals For More Time

The President General of Otor-Iwhreko community in Ughelli North local government area of Delta state, Engr. David Omotor, yesterday appealed to the Ughelli North Local Government Council Chairman, Hon. Jaro Omovudu Egbo for extension of time for the traders selling at both the walkway and the pavement area of the Ughelli main market.

Omotor said the appeal for the extension of time became necessary following the ultimatum given to the traders selling along the walkways and the pavement in the Ughelli main market by the Council Chairman, Hon. Jaro Egbo to vacate those spots before or on the 1st of August, 2024.

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The President General, Engr. David Omotor said this month, 17th of July, 2024, the Council Chairman came on inspection of the main market, which is also called Ughelli Central market owned by Otor-Iwhreko and upon the inspection gave an ultimatum to the traders selling along the pavements and walkways to vacate those spots.

Omotor said ordinarily, the leadership of the community ought to have been consulted, noting that they are not against evacuating of the traders from those spots but that the issue why they are appealing now is on the short notice given to the traders, saying that at least, two or three months would have been enough to move them to a more conducive place.

He said, “The Council Chairman visited the market on the 17th of this month of July and he is giving the traders a week and few days to vacate the walkway and the pavement with such short notice, but as lpeaceful and law abiding community, we have nothing to do but to appeal to the council chairman to at least extend the time to about two or three months as government look for an alternative place.

“Early this year I inaugurated a task force committee to control the flow of traffic which I have been doing, my boys are on ground, the community youth boys are on ground controlling the traffic for easy and free flow of vehicles.

“Before this ultimatum, the council ought to have considered an alternative place of relocation for the traders, as the traders they are evacuating over 300 from different communities, under this economic hardship, which could also increase the rate of crime if they are evacuated without an alternative place.

“I am appealing on behalf of the Otor Iwhreko community to the chairman, Hon. Egbo to extend the time and create an alternative place as they are being evacuated, so they can continue to use the proceeds of what they sell to feed their families and pay fees for their children.

On whether the Council Chairman has listen to their appeal, Engr Omotor said, “The Council Charman has not, still holding on the August first but has assured us that by or before 31st of August, he is going to make an alternative place at GRA area and he said he will not fail us, though, none of the past adminstrations had given such a short notice.”

Meanwhile, the President General, Otor-Iwhreko community, Engr. David Omotor has also appealed for quick intervention of the local and state government to come to their rescue over the ravaging flood in Iwhreko community, especially the fencing of the All Saint Cathedral Church, Iwhreko preventing /causing the over flooding.

Omotor also called for the fixing of the potholes opposite Deeper Life Church along Iwhreko community, National Petrol Station at Olotu street junction, Adonovwe-Afiesere street junction, Okorodafe street, GRA road, Magistrate court premises, Akpodiete street, Oharisi Street, Uloho avenue street and pipeline area.