Traders at the Old Market in Umuna, Orlu Local Government Area of Imo State, have appealed to Governor Hope Uzodinma to urgently intervene as parts of the market complex face the risk of collapse.
The alarm was raised by the chairman of the market, Mr Uchenna Anokute, who said traders became increasingly worried after discovering serious structural defects in the building. According to him, the condition of the market now poses an imminent danger to both traders and buyers.
Anokute said fear has become a constant companion for those who depend on the market for their daily livelihood, as they continue trading under a structure they believe could fail at any moment.
Speaking on behalf of the traders, he urged the Imo State Government to treat the situation as an emergency and begin immediate intervention before a tragedy occurs. He stressed that swift government action would not only prevent disaster but also restore confidence and safety within the market environment.
Responding to the appeal, the Supervisory Councillor for Health in Orlu LGA, Mr Anselm Okonkwo, confirmed that the market is at high risk of collapse. He spoke after a joint inspection carried out with a technical team from the state government.
Okonkwo attributed the danger to a weakened foundation, warning that continued use of the building poses a direct threat to human lives. He insisted that immediate demolition of the affected structure remains the safest option.
He added that the deteriorating condition of the market leaves no room for delay, urging the state government to pull down the unsafe block and construct a new, standard-compliant facility capable of meeting the needs of the growing trading community.
