WALKWAYS HAVE BEEN TAKEN
– WISDOM EHIGIATOR
In the ancient city of Benin, there exists various markets, notably the Oba market, New Benin market and other significant markets that have exited over time. It is significant because these markets are parts of the socio-cultural and economic heritage of the state.
The Oregbeni market located in Ikpoba – Okha local Government Area of Edo state is an important market in the state. The market which, traditionally holds every four days draws patronage from far and wide. The market stocks freshly harvested crops, fruits and vegetables that help sustain the domestic needs of families.
However, in modern times, due to patronage from customers and the desire to attract more buyers, many of the traders are not content with selling their wares in their appropriate stores and designated centres but have resorted to trading on walk-ways and road sides.
This situation has various effects on the community as well as on the states.
TRAFFIC CONGESTION:
Due to the street trading prevalent in the Oregbeni market especially during market day, there exist a high traffic jam which lasts for hours inhibiting human and vehicular movements. This situation has made transportation in that road unbearable. It is disheartening because the Ikpoba-Hill-Agbor road is a major road that leads to Delta state, Abuja and other important roads.
Traffic is greatly inhabited and disrupted because of this trend. Road users, motorists and pedestrians alike suffer daily from the turmoil of traffic congestion.
DEGRADING THE BEAUTY AND PRESTIGE OF THE STATE
This phenomenon in Oregbeni, is degrading the state; In the sense that it paints a negative picture of the state in the minds of visitors. This is so because, when visitors visit the state and experience the long hours of traffic congestion in the state, it forms a negative impression of the state as a local, obsolete and unprogressive state.
Apart from the fact that these markets are dirty and disorganized due to negelect and carelessness on the part of the traders and market leaders.
Edo state is a great state and Benin city is a noble city that has the potential of standing at par with other beautiful cities like Abuja, Uyo and Port Harcourt.
SOLUTION
The solution to this malady, however is a decisive stand by the state and local government to totally eradicate street trading. It must be dealt with urgently- the traders should move into the market and evacuate the streets and walkway.
Also, during the ‘market day’, there should be strong traffic organisation by the relevant authorities in order to forestall unnecessary traffic congestion.
OBSTRUCT FLOW OF TRAFFIC – JULIET AKHIMIEN.
The Oregbeni market, which is situated along Ikopba Hill by Ramat park serves every purpose of a market, but creates a menace which obstructs the free flow of traffic.
Whenever it holds, it constitutes a serious traffic conjestion as traders display their goods along the road and trucks are also seen parked along the road to offload their goods. Commercial vehicles are not left out as they serve the crucial purpose of conveying goods from the market to other destinations.
It would surprise you to know that there is a police station, an Army Barrack, The Nigerian Prison service, The Nigerian Immigration service, and even The Federal Road Safety Commission close to this market yet, they have not been able to control the traffic congestion constituted by the market.
Considering the lucrativeness of the market to the whole of Edo state and possibly other neighboring states, one cannot underestimate its importance to society. Therefore, the market should not be moved instead, other measures should be taken to reduce the traffic jam that occurs every Oregbeni market day, for instance, constructing an over head bridge for pedestrians to cross to the other side. This would be very useful as the opposite side of the market leads to communities inhabited by most of the people who patronize the market.
A proper walk way should also be constructed to demarcate the market from the main road. Goods displayed and hawkers standing on the walkway should be stopped.
GOVT MUST DO SOMETHING
– OMORODION RUTH
It is indeed a known fact that Comrade Governor Adams Oshiomhole has done remarkably well in eliminating traffic gridlock across the state. However, this issue still continues to exist in Ikpoba Hill.
In addition, the heavy traffic caused by these market men and women who display their wares even on the side and walk ways have created an issue of concern, as whenever the market opens, it is like a ‘no-go area’ for vehicle owners, as vehicular movement is usually on stand still. Even pedestrians find it difficult to move freely when the market is open.
Ikpoba Hill serves as a route to the East, West, and Northern parts of the country, hence, traffic congestion caused by this market men and women displaying their wares on the road side, has hampered free movement of citizens.
Therefore, there is a need for these traders to be cautioned, specifically on the act of them displaying their goods on the road side. The market is very large, hence, they should restrict their sales to within the market and if this act continues to exist, the state government should take strict measures, which may lead to closure of the market. This is crucial because the convenience of the citizens should be pivotal and should not be jeopardized, nor any form of trade or business put at the expense of this convenience.
VERY DISTURBING BUT ……
– NWAIKU ANITA
The issue of traffic in the area of Ikpoba Hill Oregbeni market is disturbing. This market which opens once in four days causing high rate of population in the market and on the roadside as people always wait for the market day to come. People that come from different places to showcase their goods place them on the road side thereby causing traffic congestion as the drivers try not to drive on their goods.
Also the high rate of people who come to the market also contribute to traffic congestion and this is a major road which leads to Agbor, Onitsha. In my opinion what could be done to reduce this traffic is to move the market inside because if it is closed down lot of people would loose their source of income. If it is moved inside, far from the road, the traffic will reduce a bit because the road will be free. So the government should set up a traffic light there that would regulate the movement of cars and also a road safety men should be present especially on the market day to ease the traffic.
TRADERS MUST BE STOPPED FROM DISPLAYING WARES ON ROAD
– AKHIDENOR MUSA CHARITY.
The Ikpoba Hill market popularly known as Oregbeni market is known for its cheap sales of food stuffs. It is a village market. The market is held every four days of the week. Villagers across the state such as Ehor, Ekpoma, Irrua come in with their food stuffs in bulk to sell to retailers as well as consumers. The food stuff range from bags of garri, native rice, plantain, yams, banana, to mention but a few.
Apart from food stuffs, products like fairly used wears are also sold in the market. Infact the Oregbeni market is one market where you get all kinds of product/stuff to buy.
Due to the number of people who patronize the market, and traders who display their products on the walk way and road side, there is usually traffic congestion on the road most especially on the day of the market. The traffic is so bad that it can keep motorists for several hours. Because, the road is the only road leading from Ringroad, Third, New Benin to Aduwawa, Agbor park as well as other places within and outside the states.
The government should not stop the market from operating as it serves as a source of livelihood to thousands of people living in Edo state. Therefore stopping the market means depriving them of their source of survival which will encourage various criminal activities in the state. Instead of stopping or relocating the market from where it is, appropriate bodies should ensure that traders don’t display their goods on walk ways and roadside. They should go inside the market because the market is big enough to accommodate them. Any trader who does not adhere to this, should be allowed to face the penalty for if one or two traders are use as a scapegoat, then others would learn from it and adjust.
TRAFFIC RULES SHOULD BE ENFORCED
– TIMI LAACKMAN
The issue of traffic on Ikpoba Hill is worrisome to all motorists who ply the road as it is a strategic point of both entry and departure from Benin City/Edo State. Though the traffic is almost on a daily basis with motorists spending at least an hour to combat their way out of it but the cases recorded on every forth night is a nightmare. This is however attributed to the operation of the Oregbeni market.
The Oregbeni market is the major cause of congestion on this road. The display of goods even on the walk way seems to be a menace to the design and plan of the city. The solution to the traffic as considered by many is the total closure of the market as a permanent remedy to the traffic situation, this will mean putting a stop to all economic activity on that location. I am however of a contrary view, a more strict traffic regulation law should be put in place and also laws and officers to create order in the market instead of disposing of market which serves as a means of income to many who sell there. The final and absolute power to stop this is in the hands of the motorists who are sometimes the major cause of this traffic due to their impatient activities.
TRADING ON THE WALKWAY SHOULD BE BANNED
– EDEKIN JOY ESOHE
Most people who engage in village market trade bring their goods there as a depot for distribution and other market people come to buy at cheaper rates such as tomatoes, yam, bush meat, plantain, melon, garri and other items.
The Oregbeni market however located at Ikpoba hill leading to different places such as Agbor, Auchi, and Abuja is causing traffic due to the high rate of services rendered by the traders. Movements are delayed and walk ways turned into where items are sold.
Due to the traffic congestion caused by Oregbeni market, it is advised not to deprive the traders their daily bread but set out a monitoring body agency to ensure no more trade along the walk ways and expand their market so they can sell their goods without interruption.
