Some traders had early hours of today, Tuesday, 22nd July, narrowly escaped death as a trailer loaded with timber toppled while attempting to drive into the Timber Industrial Market, Umuahia resulting in the destruction of tricycles and other properties.
Speaking with our correspondent at the scene, traders who lost their tricycles and goods including Mrs. Helen Onwuegbu and Oluchi Asoha, expressed gratitude to God for sparing their lives, despite the losses incurred.
They attributed the incident to the poor road network within the market, worsened by incessant flooding that has deteriorated the area.
In his reaction, the President of the Umuahia Timber Industrial Market, Sir Luke Anozie Ufomadu, also thanked God that no lives were lost.
Sir Ufomadu used the opportunity to draw the attention of the state government to the severe erosion and flooding affecting the market, which he said has obstructed access roads and hindered the movement of vehicles, especially heavy-duty trucks.
He commended the developmental strides of the Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, particularly his massive infrastructural projects across the state, and appealed for urgent intervention in the market.
Also speaking, the Chairman of the Building Materials Section, Mr. Onyemechi Ndu, expressed hope that the Governor would come to their aid by fixing the dilapidated road network and damaged drainage systems that threaten smooth operations in the market.
Mr. Ndu described Dr. Alex Otti as a responsive leader who listens to the yearnings of the people.
