By STANLEY NWANOSIKE

Carpenters, bricklayers and tilers in Enugu metropolis are now making brisk business, building stands and stalls for exhibitors at the forthcoming 35^thEnugu International Trade Fair.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the fair, which commences on April 5 at GRA, Enugu, will run till April 15.

A NAN correspondent, who visited the fair ground on Wednesday, observed that it had been turned to a massive construction site.

NAN also gathered that most of the artisans had been charging for their services per contract rather than the daily wage they used to collect.

Mr Jude Mbu, a carpenter, told NAN that for almost a week now, he had been busy handling one stand erection or the other.

Mbu said: I charge the contract of building a stand depending on the size of the stand and whether I have to buy the materials such as woods, plywood, paint and other items for the construction.

Within these few days, it has been good returns for me and the three boys giving me a helping hand.

Another carpenter, Mazi Chidi Nwimo, said that he had been blessed within the few days he had worked in the fair ground, adding: Working here is a huge blessing so far in terms of pay.

A bricklayer, Mr Ezekiel Monday, said that the demand for his services at the fair ground had been high in the last one week.

As you can see, my hands are filled up with work, which I may not even finish before the commencement of the fair on Friday.

The positive outlook of my work these few days have helped me to meet up with my family expenses and more, Monday said.

NAN observed that officials of Enugu Chamber of Commerce are putting finishing touches to the official fair pavilion for the opening ceremony and special day celebration.

It was also observed that state government is concluding the two-kilometre reconstructed and asphalted roads within the fair ground, while all external link roads to the fair ground are currently under reconstruction. (NAN)