Imo State Government has banned street trading, hawking, illegal roadside structures, and the loading and offloading of goods along major roads within the state capital, Owerri.
The roads affected include Rotobi, Royce, and Douglas, which are all located in the heart of the state capital.
The directive was contained in a joint press statement issued by the General Manager of the Owerri Capital Development Authority (OCDA), Franklin Nkem Nzewodo, and the Special Adviser to the Governor on Monitoring and Compliance, Chinasa Nwaneri.
They stated that trading activities along the major roads contribute to traffic obstruction, which sometimes leads to accidents.
According to the government officials, Eke Ukwu Owerri Market, Relief Market, Cluster International Market, and Egbeada International Market remain the designated markets within Owerri Municipal, stressing that the roads earlier mentioned are not approved trading locations.
The directive also prohibited heavy-duty trucks, lorries, and other vehicles from using the affected roads as loading, unloading, or offloading points.
“Traders, business operators, truck owners, drivers, and other affected persons have been directed to relocate their activities to approved markets, designated trading areas, and lawful loading points,” the government said.
The government further warned that continued violation of the directive could attract enforcement measures, including arrest, prosecution, fines, confiscation, and the removal or demolition of illegal structures.