Rivers, firm pledge Mile One market phase II completion

Faced with mounting challenges in the retail sector, the Rivers State Government has promised to complete the second phase of Mile one market, in Rumuwoji, PortHarcourt.

The market has witnessed series of fire incidents, which forced to traders to erect canopies and make shifts stalls.

The first phase of the market comprising 1,000 stalls and other basic amenities were awarded by the ousted Governor Celestine Omehia at N3 billion and completed by former governor, Chibuike Amaechi.

The first phase complex was erected before the inferno stalls and allocated to the traders whose shops were within the area affected. But the traders whose shops were in the axis of second phase are still displaced.

Wike said, despite the challenges of funding, his administration would continue to address the infrastructural needs of different suburbs in Port Harcourt.

He said, his government is working hard for the completion of the second phase to address the challenge of street trading in the area.

He spoke after inspecting the ongoing construction of the Mile-1 Market and Health Centre at Agip area.

The Governor said, he was not happy seeing the traders on the road as street trading poses a risk to them.

The governor urged the traders to endure the suffering until the ultra modern market is completed for their use.

The Governor said, on completion of the project, the market would boost the internally generated revenue, ease the sufferings of traders and allow free flow of traffic along Ikwerre road.

The contractor, and Chairman of Monier Construction Company, Senator John Mbata, assured that the project would be completed on schedule.  He said his company would adhere to the terms of the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) entered into with the State Government.