Lorine Emenike
A large number of traders in mile one area have expressed mixed feelings over the activities of the task force deployed by the state government to rid the state of illegal motor parks and street trading.
In an interview with some of the traders today, they said that they are happy that the government has cleared the road for smooth flow of traffic for motorist and pedestrians.
Mr Gifts Amadi said ‘’ I think the governor has done a good thing by clearing the road for the free flow of traffic. But let him also try and provide a space for the traders to sell their wares.
Also, Madam Joy said, she is happy with the new experience of passing the street without fear of being mobbed. May God bless Governor Wike for his work in Rivers State.
Also, Mfon Essien, a single mother and a trader, said the new development will help curb hoodlums and criminals that harass traders and steal money and goods.
Continuing, she said “, it is from this street trading I used to cater for my children at home, if nothing is done to provide shelter for us, it means I have been sentenced to death by hunger”.
She pleaded with the task force to provide an alternative place for women to trade and feed their families.
Some, however, said activities of the task force have denied the traders of the opportunity to trade and feed their families.
Also, Mrs Ngozi Chukwu, on her part asked ‘’is it the free flow of traffic that will put food on peoples table? Abeg, you people, should ask the governor to provide somewhere for traders to continue with their source of livelihood in an already difficult country. There is hunger everywhere. I feel so sad because nobody is talking on measures to lift the masses out of poverty, but the government is always coming up with anti-people policies, abeg shift make I pass” she said angrily and walked away.
They called on the state governor to provide alternative and affordable places to enable them to fend for themselves.
