By Gbenga Akingbule
Borno State governor, Prof Babagana Zulum, on Monday, approved the release of additional N1 billion to hasten the completion of the reconstruction works at burnt Monday Market – the biggest in state.
Gatekeepers News reports that the move, according to the governor, is to ensure that traders return to their businesses on or before the next 35 days with a view of easing the hardship being experienced by many of the traders, most of whom lost their valuables during the unfortunate inferno.
On 26th February, residents of Maiduguri Maiduguri the State capital woke up to an unfortunate incident where Monday Market was razed after which the governor released an initial N1 Billion as emergency palliative for affected traders.
Zulum released another one billion naira to kick-start the reconstruction of the market with a 23-member committee inaugurated to supervise the work.
While commending contractors during an inspection visit to Monday Market on Monday , Governor Zulum requested additional hands be employed by the contractor so as to hasten the completion of the reconstruction works.
“I want to assure you (traders and the people of Maiduguri) that we shall complete this reconstruction work very soon, insha’Allah. I am aware of the exigencies you have been facing, however, be assured that in the next 30 days, maximum 35 days we will complete this work. Maiduguri Monday Market will reopen on or before September 10 insha’ Allah”, Zulum said.
He added, “In view of the foregoing, I want to announce the release of another 1 billion naira to hasten the completion of works.
Zulum noted that the construction work will include the remodelling of the market where many traders lost their shops.
“We decided to remodel the market to allow vehicular movement inside, we put in place drainages for the free flow of sewage and rainwater. As a result of the remodelling, quite a number of shops have been demolished. To accommodate those that have lost their shops, we are building additional number of smaller shops” Zulum said .
