By Karen James
In a relentless effort to maintain order and cleanliness in the bustling city of Onitsha, the men of Operation Clean and Healthy Anambra, also known as Ocha Brigade, achieved yet another significant victory. On Friday, they took decisive action against street traders operating at Owerri road by-pass, opposite Ogbaru Main Market near the anti-tout office.
Undeterred by the pouring rain, Comrade Celestine A. Anere, the MD of Ocha Brigade, his enforcement term, stormed the traders in Onitsha and environs, chasing them away along with their wares. Prior to this operation, the Ocha Brigade had issued repeated warnings to traders to desist from littering major roads with refuse and obstructing the flow of traffic. Unfortunately, some traders chose to disregard these directives.
The street traders were also expelled from various locations along the Upper Iweka axis. Instead of relocating to the market, as expected, they opted to set up shop along the Owerri Road by-pass and Asaba expressway. This flagrant disregard for the law prompted the Ocha Brigade to take decisive action.
Speaking to Pechilly Media, Comrade Celestine A. Anere re-emphasized that street trading had been prohibited in Anambra state. He condemned the bus operators who were loading under the flyover, where traders had been chased away, stating that the Governor had explicitly ordered that all bus operators utilise the designated motor parks. He expressed concern over the traders who chose to operate on the major road instead of seeking space within the market, emphasising that their actions were a clear violation of environmental law.
The Ocha Brigade coordinator firmly stated that their men would remain stationed in the area to ensure that the traders did not return. He questioned why traders couldn’t sell their products within the market and called for their relocation. Comrade Celestine A. Anere vowed to sanitize the whole state especially the Upper Iweka area and its surroundings, firmly warning any traders contemplating setting up along the major road to abandon the idea, as the Ocha Brigade agency was here to stay.
He took the opportunity to express his gratitude to Governor Charles Soludo, the indefatigable leader of the Ocha Brigade. Comrade Celestine A. Anere commended the governor’s dedication to developing all sectors in the state and credited the success of their operations to God’s infinite wisdom.
The actions of the Ocha Brigade serve as a reminder to all traders and citizens in Onitsha to uphold the laws and regulations governing street trading and maintain cleanliness in public spaces.
The street traders were also expelled from various locations along Upper Iweka axis. Instead of relocating to the market, as expected, they opted to set up shop along the Owerri Road by-pass and Asaba expressway. This flagrant disregard for the law prompted the Ocha Brigade to take decisive action.
Speaking to the press, Mr. Ejike Odife reemphasized that street trading had been prohibited in Anambra state. He condemned the bus operators who were loading under the flyover, where traders had been chased away, stating that the Governor had explicitly ordered that all bus operators utilize the designated motor parks. He expressed concern over the traders who chose to operate on the major road instead of seeking space within the market, emphasizing that their actions were a clear violation of environmental law.
The Ocha Brigade coordinator firmly stated that their men would remain stationed in the area to ensure that the traders did not return. He questioned why traders couldn’t sell their products within the market and called for their relocation. Mr. Odife vowed to sanitize the Upper Iweka area and its surroundings, firmly warning any traders contemplating setting up along the major road to abandon the idea, as the Ocha Brigade agency was here to stay.
He took the opportunity to express his gratitude to Governor Charles Soludo and Chief Celestine Anere, the indefatigable leader of the Ocha Brigade. Mr. Odife commended the governor’s dedication to developing all sectors in the state and credited the success of their operations to God’s infinite wisdom.
The actions of the Ocha Brigade serve as a reminder to all traders and citizens in Onitsha to uphold the laws and regulations governing street trading and maintain cleanliness in public spaces.
