The Chairman, Calabar Municipal Municipal Local Government, Mr Effefiong Nta, says the ongoing construction of 300 lockup shops at the council’s premises is to decongest the popular Marian Market, Calabar.
Nta said this in Calabar on Wednesday while conducting the officials of the council, the state Ministry of Environment, Waste Management Agency and other stakeholders round the project.
He said that when completed, the stalls would ease the congestion problem that had characterised roadside trading and other abhorrent practices at Marian market.
The chairman decried the level of decadence at the market and reiterated government’s determination to evict illegal occupants and encroachers/roadside traders in the market.
He said the area located directly opposite the market would serve as alternative business area while environmental sanity would be restored.
According to him, 76 of the 300 shops, being the first phase of the project, will be ready by March for allocation to business owners.
He solicited financial support from the State Government to enable the council to complete the project on schedule.
“This project is going to be a potential revenue base for government when fully completed.
“I, therefore, appeal to the state government for more financial assistance to enable us to finish the work on schedule.’’ Nta said.
Speaking, the Commissioner for Environment, Mr Mfon Bassey, commended the council chairman for his wisdom by siting such a project that would generate revenue for the local government.
“I want to really commend you for utilising a portion of land that had hitherto laid fallow over these years,’’ he said.
He said that the ministry would do its part to ensure a conducive environment for business to thrive in the area.