Traders operating at the popular Isi Gate Market in Umuahia will be temporarily relocated to Okigwe Park from next week as the Abia State Government moves to commence full operations at the newly completed Nnena Oti Bus Terminal.
The relocation is part of ongoing efforts by the administration of Governor Alex Otti to decongest the city centre and restore order around one of Umuahia’s busiest commercial hubs.
Government sources said the traders will occupy the temporary location pending the completion of a permanent market site currently under construction at Afara, Umuahia.
The Isi Gate relocation project has been a longstanding urban renewal challenge, with previous administrations making unsuccessful attempts to move traders from the area despite providing alternative market locations.
With the commencement of activities at the modern Nnena Oti Bus Terminal, authorities say the removal of trading activities from Isi Gate has become necessary to ensure smooth transportation services, improved traffic flow, and enhanced urban development in the state capital.
The government assured affected traders that the relocation is temporary and that efforts are ongoing to complete the new market at Afara for their permanent resettlement.
