The Imo state governor, Rochas Okorocha has banned all street and roadside trading within the Owerri metropolis.

While on a scheduled inspection to some parts of Owerri the Imo state capital with other members of his cabinet as well as members of Joint Taskforce (JTF) on decongestion of Owerri municipal, the governor disclosed that it has come to the notice of the state government that some of the street traders use the opportunity to harbor criminals and carry out criminal activities within the state capital.

The chairman of the Joint Taskforce on Owerri decongestion and commissioner for commerce, Best Mbanaso added that the ban of street trading in the Owerri municipal is part of the state government’s initiative to decongest Owerri and reduce the heavy traffic situation in the city as well as make the state capital cleaner and beautiful.

He said in the meantime, the state government has provided a temporary site for the traders where they can carry out their trading activities.