The Enugu East Local Government Area in Enugu State says it is building 7,000 shops at the Orie Ugwogo Market along Enugu-Ogwogo-Nsukka Road through Public-Private-Partnership (PPP) arrangement to boost socio-economic development.
Doing the groundbreaking ceremony of the permanent site of the market on Friday, Dr Victor Nnam, a former Commissioner for lands in Enugu State, said that the market is sitting on a 20-hectare of land with six market zones would have basic market amenities.
Nnam, who is the Principal Consultant of Geo–Squaremeter Innovative Limited, said that these modern market zones included: the lorry park and warehouses; services and general goods; livestock market; building materials market; foodstuff market; and timber market.
He said that the company had begun construction of the proposed market that would serve as a signature project of Enugu East council area under the Chairmanship of Chief Livinus Anike in partnership with Umunonu-Umuezeani in Ugwogo Nike and Geo-Squaremeter innovative Ltd.
Nnam noted working with his team of experts; they would ensure that the approved prototype of the market by the council is followed to the latter while calling on investors to invest in the shops as they’re sure of getting value for their money.
He added that the PPP market project would be delivered in 24 months, adding that it was hoped that the market would transform from the current every 4 days market to daily market.
Speaking, Chairman of Enugu East LGA, Chief Livinus Anike, said the movement of the market to its permanent site is long overdue as current space no longer accommodates the fast-expanding market leading to serious traffic for people of Isi-Uzo travelling homes.
Anike said the project remained very dear to him as it resonates to the ease of doing business preached by the current administration led by His Excellency, Dr Peter Mbah.
He also commended the developer Nnam for prioritising the interest of the people in the development of the market and called on both the host and neighbouring communities to take ownership of the market.
According to him, I am encouraging all in this PPP arrangement to always be united so that the market can bring the desired prosperity to them.
Earlier, the Traditional ruler of Ugwogo-Nike, Igwe Emeka Ugwu, said that the neighbouring villages would retain their spots as it is in the temporary site; while thanking the council chairman and the developer for bringing the project to fruition.
Similarly, Chief Joseph Ugwumba, one of the leaders of the host community, said that the Orie Market had existed even in the days of the Nigerian-Biafran Civil War and met a great need.
Ugwumba said that astronomical growth of the market was not unexpected thus necessitating the need for expansion; adding: “My community is delighted with the project and ready to play its role to see to the completion of the project”.
In a remark, the Chairman Peace and Development Committee, Chief Donatus Agbodo said that the growing population made it inevitable for the market to be moved to a more suitable permanent place.
Agbodo said: “We thank the chairman for his progressive mind in making this dream a reality. It was a promise you (chairman) made during your electioneering campaign as you promised to enhance human capital development in Enugu East council.
“We the people of Umunonu-Umuezeani and Ugwogo-Nike in general have received our own share in your administration drive towards reducing poverty in Enugu East Local Government Area, this market will alleviate poverty among our people.”
