The Anambra Government is to spend N10 million on each of the 61 major markets in the state to address infrastructure challenges facing them, Gov. Willie Obiano has said.
Obiano announced the plan when he addressed leaders of Amalgamated Anambra Traders Association (AMATAS) and representatives of the various major markets in tAwka on Tuesday.
Obiano said the projects would be executed by the leadership each market while government would provide the funds.
He said this was in line with the N20 million community- based projects going on in 181 communities which the government was funding.
Obiano said he was determined to stamp out illegal and multiple taxes in the state as part of his economic stimulus package to cushion the economic hardship on the people.
He said the state government had secured the conviction of no fewer than 30 illegal tolling agents who were defrauding the people.
“My government will sponsor projects that would be determined by various market leaders but not exceeding N10 million to upgrade the 61 major markets in the state.
“We have the money but will wait until the 2017 budget is passed, the contractors will also be determined by the market community.
“I want to remind you that we are in recession and this is part of our effort to keep the economy upbeat.
“Pay your tax, we have streamlined our tax system with the POS collection method, if you see any illegal collector apprehend them and hand them over to the police.
”Already 30 of them has been jailed,” he said.
Responding, the Chairman of AMATAS, Chief Okwudili Ezenwankwo, said the market community was happy with the government which had enhanced their ease of doing business.
Ezenwankwo dismissed the insinuation of harsh tax regime on the traders and called for continued support for Obiano.
“We are happy with his leadership style and all we ask for is continued support from government and soon we shall prosper,” he said.(NAN)