OCHA Brigade Restates Resolve To End Street Trading In Anambra… 

Over the years, the Anambra State government has made efforts to curb street trading, but the practice has defied all measures taken by successive administrations.

However, it seems there is an end in sight to this ugly trend with the introduction of 24/7 patrol by the Operation Clean and Health Anambra, OCHA Brigade led by Comrade Celestine Anere, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Brigade.

The Brigade raided major flashpoints in Amawbia axis of Enugu-Onitsha Expressway; Ochanja, Woliwo, Iweka road, Tazan junction in Onitsha Metropolis and Ezeiweka road, Awada, carted away illegally displayed wares and food items worth millions of naira.

While the traders blame rising cost of renting a shop as a major factor fueling street trading, other stakeholders said the government might find it difficult to win the war against the menace as long as it continues to ticket the traders.

While addressing traders and residents on the negative effects of street trading in the state, Comrade Anere stated that an all-round operation against it would be carried out in all parts of the state.

According to him, the residents of the state were being made to face avoidable traffic jam and hardship due to street trading and explained that the operation would be directed at those displaying wares by the roadside, illegal blocking of streets for social activities, among others and assured that his officers would also continue to move against illegal collection of fees from transporters.

The OCHA Brigade boss revealed that, elimination of street trading would drastically reduce the rising cases of traffic robbery being reported daily on Anambra roads and assured Ndi Anambra that the agency would not rest on its oars in ensuring that sanity is maintained in all parts of the state