Gombe gov’t justifies roadside traders’ quit notice

From Abdulrazaq Mungadi, Gombe

The Gombe State government has explained why it is compelling roadside traders to relocate their businesses from major roads to designated business areas within the state capital.

The government gave the directive through the Gombe State Urban Planning and Development Authority (GOSUPDA). According to the Executive Chairman of the agency, Alhaji Samanja Bappayo Maudo, the order was to mitigate hazards associated with such trading, enhance public safety, and reduce traffic accidents.

The Chairman stated this in an interview with Daily Sun, adding that the government has been sensitising the traders and pointing them to areas designated for each of their businesses in the state.

He decried the environmental nuisance constituted by the traders who, according to him, often display their merchandise on the roadside, an act he said was to the detriment of the safety of both traders and buyers.

“Whenever a vehicle loses control, the roadside traders and their buyers are always the first to be injured or even killed,” Maudo said, stating that the government will not tolerate such acts, adding that the team will soon go out in force to implement the order.

He warned traders yet to vacate the market areas: “Those turning deaf ears to the directive will have themselves to blame when their premises are raided and their goods destroyed.”

He added that the activities of the roadside traders are also affecting the Gombe Goes Green (3G) project, which aims to keep the state green and enhance the aesthetics of the roads.

The Chairman hinted that the agency is planning an enforcement outing for those selling and buying on the roadside. He assured that anyone caught would face the wrath of the law.