EDDY OCHIGBO, Kaduna
Following sustained appeals and outcry of traders who own stalls in the popular Sheikh Abubakar Kumi Central Market, Kaduna – the biggest market in the state, the state government has at long last directed the Kaduna Markets Development and Management Company (KMDMC) to reopen the facility with effect from Friday August 14, 2020.
A statement issued by KMDMC, made available to NATIONAL ACCORD said dates for the reopening of other markets would be communicated to the public in due course.
The statement explained that as the move towards the gradual re-opening of markets in the state is taking root, traders and residents are required to take note of the following:
“Market will be opened from 9:30am to 4:30pm daily. After the closure of markets, traders are required to return to their respective residences; and are not to trade on the sidelines of the market. Defaulters will be prosecuted according to the law banning street hawking (2016) and have their goods confiscated.
“Traders are also to note that, there will be no return of confiscated goods and are strongly advised to make use of public transportation when coming to the market due to the ongoing construction around the area and shortage of parking space”.
According to the statement, loading and offloading time is henceforth from 7 pm – 6 am daily, as trucks found around the market outside this time frame will be impounded.
“These changes are in addition to the State’s Covid-19 guidelines. Therefore, traders and residents are reminded to wear their facemasks at all times when leaving their houses and adhere to physical distancing”, the statement explained.
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