The situation of markets in Aniocha South Local Government Area of Delta State is very appalling especially the Afor main market in Ogwashi-Uku which, happens to be the biggest market in the LGA.
The most unfortunate thing about the market is that in spite of its very poor sanitary state, the traders are subjected to excess taxation in the form of varied levies by both the council authorities and market leaders.
Such payments include, Security development fee N500, Revenue N12,000 annually for lock-up shops, Trading license N5,000 (annually), Sanitation/trading fee N200 (for hawkers) collected every market day With all these payments being collected from the traders by government, no effort is being made by them to improve the state of the market in the area of the much needed infrastructure and security.
Much of the market which serves several traders from within and outside the state, is flooded with people falling on usage of rain boots to be able to navigate the muddy state of the market.
Worried about this e daily anguish traders and buyers alike experience in the market, Kebetkache monitoring team was compelled to visit for an on the spot assessment.
Interviews with both traders and buyers revealed that the market has been in that sorry state for years without any action from the local government whereas, collection of fees and levies have not failed at any instance.
Despite the anguish, it was discovered that most of the traders are operating in fear and so getting people to freely comment on the issue was difficult. They fear they could be dealt with by authorities if found to have spoken against the system, but from their expressions, it was obvious they are not happy to be paying for services not rendered nor are they happy to be operating in very unsanitary conditions.
