In Uwa Mgbede Market, a prominent trading hub nestled along the Onitsha-Owerri Expressway in Onitsha, has been shuttered by the Anambra State Government due to a litany of environmental infractions.
The closure, orchestrated by the Operation Clean and Healthy Anambra Brigade under the stewardship of Managing Director Celestine Anere, took effect on Friday, sending ripples through the local commercial landscape.
For decades, Uwa Mgbede Market has served as a vital terminal teeming with vendors and patrons engaged in the exchange of a myriad of food commodities. From staples like rice, beans, pepper, tomatoes, onions, and yams to delicacies such as fish and meat, the market has been a pivotal artery of commerce in the region.
The decision to seal the market comes in the wake of mounting concerns over its environmental impact and unapproved operational practices. Anere cited a slew of violations including its unauthorized location, unsanitary conditions, obstructed and littered drainage systems, as well as the unauthorized parking and abandonment of vehicles along the adjacent thoroughfare.
“This market was sealed off due to a range of environmental infractions,” Anere affirmed. “Traders are urged to utilize the officially sanctioned markets designated by the state government, which offer security and conducive trading environments. Unauthorized makeshift markets will not be tolerated, and offenders will bear the consequences.”
The closure has elicited a chorus of dismay from affected traders who lament the abrupt nature of the action. Joseph Ukonne, a longstanding trader at the market, expressed bewilderment at the lack of prior notification, asserting, “This market has been in operation for over two decades. We diligently maintain the drainage system on a weekly basis and ensure the cleanliness of the surroundings daily.”
Despite the grievances aired by traders, the government remains resolute in its stance, underscoring the imperative of upholding environmental standards and regulatory compliance in the interest of public health and safety.
