NAZE/HAUSA CLUSTER MARKET SEEKS N6M FROM IMO GOVT TO EVACUATE AGED-LONG REFUSE DUMP
The Executives of the Naze/Hausa Cluster Market have appealed to the Imo State Government for a #6 million intervention fund to evacuate an aged-long refuse dump in the market.
The appeal was made during a courtesy visit to the Commissioner for Commerce, Trade and Investment in Owerri on Monday.
The delegation, led by the Market Chairman,Alhaji Abdullahi Abdulsalam, told the Commissioner that the refuse site, located within the livestock and grains section of the Market, has existed for over 6 years and now poses serious health and economic challenges to the traders.
“This dump has been here before many of us started trading. We have spent our own money several times to clear it, but we do not have the heavy equipment needed for a permanent solution,” Abdulsalam said.
“We are asking the State Government for #6 million as an intervention fund to engage certified waste managers for complete evacuation.”
Alhaji Abdulsalam used the visit to express the Market Community’s backing for Governor Hope Uzodimma’s administration. He cited ongoing market-related infrastructure in Owerri North LGA and the Government’s engagement with non-indigene groups as reasons for their stance.
“The Naze/Hausa Cluster Market is solidly behind His Excellency, Distinguished Senator Hope Uzodimma. We appreciate his inclusive leadership.
We massively voted for Governor Hope Uzodimma in 2023. And we have collected over 5,000 PVCs ready to vote for the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC candidates from House of Assembly to presidency in the forthcoming general elections.
As the Government will go on to support us on this refuse issue, we are promising the State Government more support from our people at all times,” he stated.
The Commissioner for Commerce, Trade and Investment, Hon. Barr. Rex Anunobi, commended the executives for their peaceful approach and for maintaining order in the Market. He described the traders as “key partners in the State’s economic growth” under the Governor’s 3R — Reconstruction, Rehabilitation, and Recovery — agenda.
“Governor Uzodimma does not discriminate in development. Your request is valid and will be forwarded to the appropriate ministries for urgent attention,” the Commissioner said.
He assured the delegation that the Ministry would liaise with the Ministry of Environment and the Imo State Waste Management Agency for a joint assessment of the site this week.
The Naze/Hausa Cluster Market along Owerri-Aba Road is a major hub for livestock, grains, kola nut and other commodities.
If granted, the N6m intervention would be one of the first direct waste management funds approved for a predominantly Hausa traders’ association in Owerri North under the current administration.
