Traders operating from the lock-up stores at Oleh Market, owned by the Isoko South Local Government Council, have raised concerns over the deteriorating condition of the facilities, citing leaking roofs, damaged structures and lack of electricity as major challenges affecting their businesses.
Key Highlights
- Traders complain of leaking roofs and damaged store structures.
- Some traders say rainwater has damaged their goods.
- Traders allege that store rents have increased despite poor facilities.
- The market reportedly lacks electricity and adequate maintenance.
- Local government says it was unaware of the reported condition and plans to inspect the facilities.
Several traders who spoke during an interview at the market expressed concern over the state of the facilities. Some declined to speak publicly or requested anonymity, citing fears of possible repercussions.
According to the traders, the local government is aware of the condition of the market, yet several businesses have allegedly continued to suffer losses because of leaking roofs and poorly maintained structures.
One of the traders recounted how a woman’s goods were reportedly damaged after rainwater entered her store through a leaking section of the building.
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The source said traders often become apprehensive during the rainy season because of the possibility of losing their goods to rainwater.
“During the rainy season, we always panic and pray for fair weather,” the source said.
Another trader expressed concern over the alleged increase in rent for the stores despite what the traders described as the poor condition of the facilities.
The traders also complained about the lack of electricity in the market, saying they had received no clear assurance on when the affected structures would be renovated.
In the absence of adequate maintenance, some traders have reportedly resorted to using their own money and equipment to repair damaged sections of their stores in an effort to protect their goods and keep their businesses running.
Local Government Responds
Speaking on the concerns raised by the traders, the Secretary to the Local Government Chairman, Hon. Osuofa Eloho Aziakpono, said he was not aware of the reported deplorable condition of the lock-up stores.
Aziakpono said the interview had brought the situation to his attention and promised to visit the market to personally assess the condition of the facilities.
He, however, did not provide a specific timeline for the inspection or indicate when renovation work would commence.
The concerns have renewed calls for urgent attention to the condition of Oleh Market, particularly as the rainy season exposes traders and their goods to the risk of damage.
The traders are appealing to the Isoko South Local Government Council to inspect the affected stores, repair leaking roofs, restore electricity and address other maintenance concerns.
