Anambra State Government has concluded integrity testing on market stalls in Ochanja Central market, Onitsha.

 

the state Material Testing Laboratory conducted the verification on buildings sealed by the state in the market.

 

A joint government task force comprising the Ministry of Trade and Commerce and Anambra State Physical Planning Board, after visiting the market two months ago, commissioned the State Materials Testing Laboratory to carry out integrity tests on structures there, following complaints of casualties resulting from the partial collapse of some of the buildings.

 

Presenting the report of the testing at ANSPPB Headquarters, Amawbia, the Executive Chairman of the Lab, Mr Ebosie Ezeoke explained that the reports contain sketches, blocks, columns, beams and other aspects of the buildings to help identify the blocks that passed the test or otherwise and warned market unions that there are sanctions for non-compliance with the government laboratory verification.

 

The Commissioner for Trade and Commerce, Mr. Obinna Ngonadi noted that when they visited the market for on the spot assessment, the illegalities were observed, which prompted the setting up of the committee on the directive of the state Governor, Professor Chukwuma Soludo, noting that some of the structures were built before the advent of the present administration, leading to the market master plan being bastardized.

 

While stating that the exercise will be extended to other markets in the state, Commissioner Ngonadi said the report will be presented to the governor and a decision will be taken on the matter, stressing however, that even if those buildings are going to stay, a significant part of them will be reviewed.

 

Also speaking, the Chairman of ANSPPB, Barrister Chike Maduekwe expressed satisfaction that the report of the lab was concluded in a record time to aid government in its avowed duty of protecting life and property.

 

While announcing that the Board will commence operation show your permit from 1st October, 2022 targeted at people who built structures in the past five years, Barrister Maduekwe lamented that the existence of so many markets in the state does not really translate to revenue due to various degrees of illegalities.

 

The Chairman of Ochanja Central market, Bonaventure Mụọ assured that they are would continue to comply with government directive.

 

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