Traders embark on installation of CCTV camera in markets to reduce crimes, fire outbreaks in Anambra

By Cyprian Ebele, Onitsha

Traders in Anambra state, on the ploform of ‘Anambra State Markets Amalgamated Traders’ Association, ASMATA’, have vowed to embark on the installation of CCTV cameras in the markets to reduce crimes and fire outbreaks in the state.

The traders made this known during the visit of the Anambra State House of Assembly Committee on Commerce, Trade and Industry, that took place at the ASMATA secretariat in Onitsha, Anamba state.

The ASMATA President General, Humphrey Anuna, who spoke on behalf of the traders, disclosed that the installation will curtail greatly the spate of crimes and fire outbreaks in the markets.

He expressed satisfaction with the approval of the commencement of the installation of CCTV cameras in the 185 markets in the state by the Anambra State House of Assembly Committee on Commerce, Trade and Industry.

Anuna said that it is one of the good things that have happened to the traders, since the assumption of governor Chkukwuma Soludo in office, and however urged the traders to ensure massive support to the present administration.

“With this installation our goods and lives in the market are safe and I commend the chairman of the contracting company for pledging to give us quality work. Since he is the one picked by the state government to do the installation, we will support him in carrying out this project,”he assured.

Earlier, the committee chairman, Innocent Ojike told the traders that with the installation of the CCTV cameras in markets, the issue of crimes in the market and fire outbreaks will be a thing of the past, as the monitors are there to detect and identify criminals.

He reiterated the resolve of the lawmakers to restore the lost glory of the state, adding that Igbos are known for their hard work and as such an enabling environment would be put in place to enhance their performance.

Responding, the Minority leader in the House of Assembly, John Bosco Akaegbuobi, said the project would give a proper protection to the markets in the state, especially at this time of socio-economic and political quagmire in the country.

He expressed satisfaction with the installation which will commence next week and urged the traders to see the project as one of the efforts aimed at ameliorating their problems.

Also, the chairman of Onitsha Main market, Innocent Ezeoha, expressed satisfaction for the installation and thanked the state governor, the committee, ASMATA and Special Adviser to governor Soludo on Trade and Markets, Evarist Uba, for taken the markets to the next level.

According to him, “It is a welcome development and we support the installation as we know what we suffer in the market especially about stolen goods and fire outbreaks. Governor Soludo will continue to lead us because he has shown that the state is his environment through the rapid infrastructural development of the state,” he stated .

The chairman of the contracting film, Chukwugozie, told the gathering that ‘AI’ camera will be among the quality materials to be used in the project assuring that criminals will take to their heels on the installation which he said will commence next week from Nkpor New Auto Spare Parts market.

“We are starting from Nkpor Market because of the way they planned it, and the installation may be within one year or less because the 185 markets in the state will be installed with the CCTV cameras. With this installation a thief in the market whenever he comes back the camera will alert the market that such a thief has come back again and he will be identified’ he stated.