Essential Ndubuisi
By Emmanuel Okonkwo
As some traders and customers in markets across Anambra state are complying with the Covid-19 safety protocols to prevent the spread of the virus as it makes the second wave across the globe, many still flout the laws.
This was observed when the ABS visited Umuokpu-Awka Building Materials Market, and Eke-Awka Market to ascertain the level of compliance with the directive by the Anambra state Governor, Chief Willie Obiano that markets in the state should recommence total adherence to all Covid-19 safety laws to protect themselves this period of Covid-19 resurgence world over.
During the exercise, it was noticed that some traders and their customers were properly on face masks, while some had theirs on the jaw, and some were without any.
At the Umuokpu-Awka Building Materials market, majority of the shops have hand washing equipment stationed at each of the entrances.
While at the Eke-Awka market, greater percentage of the shops were without hand washing equipment.
Speaking to the ABS, the President General of Umuokpu-Awka Building Materials market, Mr Chukwudi Nwankwo extolled Governor Willie Obiano for his unrelenting efforts towards protecting Ndi Anambra from Covid-19, saying that he is working tirelessly with the market’s executive to ensure full compliance of people with the law this second time.
Mr Nwankwo who explained that the market’s Covid-19 law Enforcement team are facing a lot of challenge from people who believes they are above the law, revealed that they have arrested some of the defaulters who were later handed over to the Police, saying that they will continue the arrest until there is total compliance.
He pleaded with people in the market to adhere to the safety laws as it is for their own good.
Contributing, the Chairman Awka Covid-19 Protocols Taskforce, Mr Charles Obuekwe said that they have used the past one week to reinform traders and buyers in the market on the reenforcement of the Covid-19 safety protocols in the market, disclosing that the men had since Monday, the twenty-fifth of January, 2021, commenced full enforcement of the order in the market.
He warned that the Taskforce team will not take it lightly with any defaulter on apprehension.
On his part, a trader at the Umuokpu-Awka Building Materials market, Mr Emaka Okonkwo called on his fellow traders to observe the safety measures against the virus as it will go a long way in preventing its spread and minimizing death rate occasioned by the deadly disease.
Recall that the Executive Governor of Anambra state, Chief Willie Obiano on Tuesday, 12th of January, 2021, gave market heads one week ultimatum to restart enforcement of Covid-19 safety protocols in markets across the state, which elapsed yesterday being the 25th of this month are yet to comply.
