By Magnus Effiong
The Mayor of Calabar, Apostle James Anam, has said he was poised to replicate the Abuja’s new Wuse market at the Marian (aka Ika Ika Oqua) and Ikot Ishie markets with ultramodern structures and transform the two markets to conform with the tourism inclination of the Cross River state government
Apostle Anam, who spoke at the Ika Ika Oqua market in Calabar municipality shortly after the ground-breaking ceremony for the project, weekend, lamented that the shanty-like shops at the Marian market could be a harbinger for a huge inferno.
He said, “If fire disaster should break out in one shop as it is, the entire shops in the market could end up in flame. What we intend to do is to have an ultramodern storey-building structures here and fortify it in case of any unforeseen fire outbreak and ensure the buildings are perfectly secured.
“We will make the entire structures uniform to show beauty. My model is the new Wuse market ll. Since markets are under the purview of the local government, we intend to make the best out of this opportunity,” he stated.
On ability to raise enough resources for the project, the Council Boss said “We know the project is capital-intensive but we should also remember the adage that says where there is a will, there is always a way. As we speak, people are coming on their own to support the project.
“The bankers are ready, in fact, it is a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) thing. The partners will handle it to completion, run it within a period and get back their resources. We have an agreement that has not tight the Council to anything.
“We have given our approval and the job will commence soon. Our interest is for us to have a model market to showcase Cross River state especially here in Calabar, the State capital.
“We will replicate the same thing in Ikot Ishie market which has been in existence for 28 years, untouched. This government will touch it positively and transform it to God’s glory.”
The Mayor of Calabar described the contractor handling the project, Okwutex MultiBiz Nigeria Ltd, as very capable, and submitted that the company would deliver within the agreed timeframe.
In a chat, the Managing Director of the company, Mr Onwukwe Icho, said he would use the best of materials for the project which, he said, would be delivered within three months.
“Calabar is my home because I have spent 40years already here. I will make sure the Governor and the Mayor are happy with what they will see when I deliver the project.
“We will not disappoint the people who have this confidence in my company and let me promise here that after completion, the market will become an international market,” he stated
PillarToday Correspondent, who monitored the event, reports that the Mayor of Calabar also used the opportunity to rename the former Old Trade Fair Road to ‘Bishop Eyoanwan Otu Road’ which he declared one-way road to traffic.
