Anambra State Government has re-commenced moves to construct an international drug market in Oba, Idemili South Local Aovernment Area.
A joint enforcement team, comprising the state’s ministry of health and officials of the Anambra State Physical Planning Board, visited the location for on-the-spot assessment and site evaluation.
Anambra State is as one of the four states benefitting from the project alongside, Kano, Abia and Lagos, with works in the other three states almost at different completion stages.
Unfortunately, the project was unable to take off in Anambra due to bottlenecks which included but not limited to encroachment by illegal developers.
According to the Commissioner for Health, Dr Afam Obidike, Governor Soludo’s administration has vested interest in the project which he described as a world standard market, pointing out that the visit was to ascertain if the the project and its location meet international requirement.
Dr Obidike added that the governor communicated his clear directives to them regarding his position on the project, revealing that the move will reduce the influx of adulterated and low quality drugs into Anambra homes and health facilities.
The Chairman of Anambra State Physical Planning Board, Barrister Chike Maduekwe who recalled that the project had been in the pipeline for a very long time, revealed that it had been approved by the federal government, from the Physical Society of Nigeria, to build a world class drug market designated for Oba.
Barrister Maduekwe noted that the governor’s directive was among other things, to issue notice to illegal occupants which they have done, advising individuals who have issues to come forward and show their interest as the governor is deeply committed to moving the project forward.
While stating the imperativeness of controlling the environment where drugs are sold, he however disclosed that the land was acquired by Asset Management Corperation of Nigeria, AMCON, and that those who acquired it are willing to go ahead with the project.
On his part, the Managing Director of Anambra Investment Promotion and Protection Agency, Dr Ifedirora Amobi, stressed that the investment potential of the market is enormous, adding that besides delivery of services to the people of Anambra State, one of the things it will do is that Anambra’s IGR will increase.
He noted that the present administration should have a good return on investment for every project that comes into the state, expressing optimism that on completion, the market will be more structured, organized and controlled.
Ongoing illegal projects on site were sealed off and eviction notices served to owners.
