By; Bayo Akamo, Ibadan.
Oyo State Government Monday hinted of its plans to upgrade all the markets in and across the state as it partners with a private developer to reconstruct 820 shops at the Temidire plank market in Egbeda local government area of the state.
The Special Adviser to Governor Abiola Ajimobi on Communication and Strategy, Mr Yomi Layinka dropped this hint during a chat with journalists in Ibadan.
He declared that this was part of the efforts by the Governor Ajimobi led administration at ensuring regular upgrading of social infrastructures in the state.
“Government is planning to upgrade all markets across Oyo State as part of its cardinal point to modernise the market along with its urban renewal initiative. This will make the market more convenient and contribute to the economy of the state,” he said.
Mr Layinka stated that in line with the planned upgrading of all the markets in Oyo State, the government relocated the former occupant of the Temidire market to a new site called Fashade, along Ife expressway in 2013.
According to the Special Adviser, the last agreement signed by the former occupant of the market was in 1976, that is 40 years ago and they have not even being paying any rent or dues to the government”.
“The reconstruction of this market will address all illegality. After evacuating the traders to a new site, we now discover that some people who are been used by some politicians have relocated back to the market. They are using it as garage, car parks and selling of some wares in other to sabotage the effort of the government”.
Mr Layinka pointed out that “it is the responsibility of any government to continuously develop markets in other to conform with world standard and such will reduce environmental challenges such as flood and fire outbreaks”
Speaking further, he said the new Temidire market will have 820 shops, malls, cinema, fire bay, banks, guest house, clinic, police station, among others and that its first phase will be completed within the next six months while the former occupant will be first considered with the shops given out at an affordable price to encourage Small and Medium Enterprise (SMEs).
While urging all the traders still staying put in the market to vacate immediately or face the wrath of the government, Mr Layinka advised the plank traders and the entire people of the state to cooperate with government and the developers to make the project a reality.
