Bayelsa residents ask govt for modern markets

Some residents of Yenagoa metropolis, Bayelsa State, have taken the Seriake Dickson administration to task on the construction of ultra-modern markets in the state.
The development came on the heels of an accident in which a trailer crashed into a roadside market, killing one person and injuring seven others in Swali market,Yenagoa on Saturday.
They said if there were ultra modern markets, traders would confine their markets there instead of selling on the roadsides that expose them to risks of accident.

A resident, who identified herself simply as Ngozika, expressed concern over lack of enforcement on street trading.
“At Swali market here, you see traders competing with commercial vehicles and motorists. If drivers do not drive carefully, he would always run into trouble at the market.
“Many of the traders display their wares on the road and the government sees nothing wrong with that. When you confront some of them, they will be quick to tell you that since government has not provided places for them to sell their goods, there is nothing they can do but to sell on the road.
“As a result of this ugly development, you witness unnecessary traffic jam as well as avoidable accidents. I think it is high time the government rose to the occasion and do the needful.”
As for Mrs. Daniela Peretimi, she asked the government to construct more ultra-modern markets in order to relocate the traders selling on the road.
Peretimi said most markets in the state are operated on the road, noting that the development was not good enough for the people.
“What does it take the government to construct ultra modern markets? Most lands in Bayelsa are virgin ones. I feel government should address this ugly trend and make it one of its priorities. This government is known for constructing houses.