The Mayor of Onitsha South Local Government Area, Hon. Ikechukwu Mofunanya, has issued a fresh ultimatum to traders occupying unauthorised roadside spaces at Ochanja Central Market, directing them to vacate the areas by next week or face enforcement action.
Mofunanya gave the directive during an unannounced inspection of Block O of the market, following concerns over the partial collapse of a building and the continued occupation of public spaces by roadside traders.
The inspection was conducted to assess the condition of the affected building, which had reportedly experienced a partial collapse and a previous fire outbreak, as well as identify possible safety threats to traders, customers and other users of the market.
Speaking during the exercise, the mayor expressed dissatisfaction with the persistent violation of government directives prohibiting roadside trading and the occupation of unauthorised spaces.
He lamented that despite repeated warnings, some traders had continued to disregard the regulations.
“We have warned them several times, but they have continued to take our warnings for granted,” Mofunanya said.
He warned that the council would no longer tolerate such practices, urging all affected traders to remove their goods and vacate the roadsides and other prohibited areas before the deadline expires.
The mayor clarified that the directive was not intended to frustrate legitimate business activities but to restore order, safeguard lives and property, ensure free movement and create a more organised trading environment.
He further reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to enforcing existing regulations, stressing that public roads and walkways must remain free from obstruction to allow the smooth movement of motorists and pedestrians.
Mofunanya warned that traders who fail to comply with the directive should be prepared to face the consequences of enforcement action.
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