June 09, (THEWILL) – Traders in Eke-Atta daily market in Ikeduru Local Government Area of Imo state, have raised alarm over an imminent outbreak of disease, following the pile up of refuse dump surrounding the market.
Some marketeers who spoke to THEWILL, said another disturbing issue in the market was the encroachment of an erosion, which had led to a total blockage of two major link roads including the one leading to the village of the Traditional Ruler’s house.
In an interview with a trader in the market, who gave her name as Veronica Ndu, said the refuse was the cause of the blockage, because according to her, during rainfall, strong wave of water will always push the refuse to the direction of the road, thereby blocking it entirely.
She said that traders in the market often make use of face masks to prevent themselves from contacting disease.
“The smell that comes out from the refuse is unbearable. As you can see, the refuse has taken up so much of the portion where people sell their wares.
“We have been looking for a way to inform the government to come to our rescue. The heap is an eye sore.
“Each time it rains, the market is hell for us. There won’t be any place to place your foot, let alone place your commodities for sell. We have really suffered.
“We are calling on the government to wade into the issue, especially in evacuating the refuse and finding a way to construct a drainage system to reduce flooding in the market.”
Another trader who spoke, wondered what it will cost the government to evacuate ordinary refuse, asking if ENTRACO is still in existence.
He regretted that Atta has well to do people, who are in government, but have refused to proffer solutions to the erosion problems in the community.
He, however, appealed to the government of Senator Hope Uzodinma to come to their rescue to evacuate the refuse and open the two roads which have been blocked by erosion.
