Mr Mfon Bassey, Commissioner for Environment, while supervising work at the site, adjacent Red Cross office in Calabar on Sunday, expressed government’s readiness to relocate roadside traders.
Bassey said the demand for a new market became necessary due to population increase and the corresponding danger associated with roadside trading.
He said that the state government was committed to providing improved social amenities for the overall interest of its citizens.
According to him, Gov. Ben Ayade, whose love and passion for his people is unreserved, is working tirelessly to ensure that no resident experience any hardship.
He said the provision of an alternative market for roadside traders was for their safety and to forestall any emergencies associated with roadside trading.
The commissioner applauded the prompt response of the governor over the new market while assuring that allocation would be done without fear or favour.
He called on traders to be patient with the ongoing work, adding that in a few weeks, arrangements would have been concluded for them to move into the new market.
“I want to charge the traders to remain law-abiding in keeping their environment clean and green because the government will not compromise standard for which the state has been reputed for overtime.
“This new site will have a toilet facility as well as a borehole so as to improve sanitation in the market.
“In view of the dangers associated with roadside trading and the vehicular traffic associated with it, the state government is committed to ensuring a free flow of movement along the highways.
“The idea where traders bring their goods to the roadside to sell is not appropriate because at times, a driver can lose control or have a brake failure and the consequences of these will be dangerous.
“As a ministry, we are committed to ensuring a clean and green environment that complements the industrial revolution of the state government,” he said.
A trader, Ms Eno Akan, in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), expressed gratitude to the state government for providing an alternative market for roadside traders.
Akan, who commended the government for the leave of work already carried out in the site, said the design for a toilet and borehole would improve environmental cleanliness and sanitation in the market.