Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers State has promised to build new markets and relocate traders trading on major streets and roads in the state capital and its environs.
He made the promise during his meeting with hundreds of street traders at Rumuodomanya, Rumuokoro and Okoronuodo communities of Obio/Akpor Local Government Area of the state, on Tuesday.
The governor said his plan to build the new markets was in view of his consideration for safety of the traders, noting that they were exposed to danger as they plied their trade on the busy expressway.
“I am here to personally talk to you because I know the level of support I got from the markets during the last elections. Therefore, all my actions are geared towards improving the environment where you do business.
“I know that you are on the road to seek your daily upkeep. But it should not be at the expense of other road users and your own well-being,” Wike said.
He said the street traders on the Rumuodomanya Road would be moved to a location provided by the community, assuring that the new market would be ready in two months.
He also informed that the area where the street traders cluster would be fenced off for easy flow of traffic, adding that the former location for street trading would also be beautified.
At Rumuokoro and Okoronuodo, Wike also promised to construct markets at locations provided by the two communities, even as he called on the traders to continue to support his administration, pointing out that he would always protect their interests.