By PAMELA EBOH, Awka

Traders in Anambra State have appealed to the state Governor, Prof Chukwuma Soludo, to urgently intervene in the rising cost of shops, business premises and residential accommodation across the state.

The appeal was made during a solidarity gathering organised by the Anambra State Market Amalgamated Traders Association (ASMATA) at the Godwin Achebe Stadium, Fegge, Onitsha.

Though the event was primarily organised to mobilise traders and express support for the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) ahead of Saturday’s federal, state and local government elections in the state.

Market leaders however used the occasion to highlight the growing burden of high rents on traders, residents and small business owners.

Earlier in his speech, the Chairman of ASMATA, Onitsha Zone, Chief Eric Uwaoma, expressed concern over the escalating cost of shops, houses and business spaces in markets and plazas across the state.

Uwaoma wondered why traders should be left entirely at the mercy of property owners and whether the government should introduce stronger measures to protect tenants.

He also raised concerns over alleged intimidation of traders during rent-related disputes and called on Soludo to urgently address the situation and seek a lasting solution.

On his part, the Chairman of Sokoto Road Market, Hon. Emeka Mbachu, urged the governor to revisit the issue of rising rents, describing it as a major challenge for both traders and residents.

While recalling the Governor’s earlier commitment to examine the rising cost of accommodation, he urged the state government to take concrete steps to reduce excessive rental charges.

Mbachu added: “Any government intervention that makes accommodation and business premises more affordable would provide significant relief for traders and ordinary residents.”

Also, the Chairman of Haruna Street Market, Chief Emmanuel Idoko, appealed to the Governor to assist traders experiencing difficulties as a result of high rents.

Idoko said traders were increasingly worried about developments in the markets, particularly the rising cost of rent and alleged cases of intimidation.

While commending Uwaoma for consistently speaking up for traders in Onitsha South, he called for stronger government action to protect the interests and welfare of the market community.

The three market leaders respectively called for dialogue among the government, landlords, traders and other relevant stakeholders to fashion a way to develop a balanced approach to the rent crisis.

They warned that continued increases in rental charges could place additional pressure on businesses and residents and negatively affect commercial activities across the state.

Meanwhile, the President-General of ASMATA, Chief Humphrey Anuna, has reaffirmed the readiness of traders to participate actively in the forthcoming elections.

The traders, however, maintained that addressing the rising cost of rents should remain a priority, noting that government intervention would help ease the economic pressure on both traders, residents and small business owners in the state