Business
THE Anambra State Government has announced the establishment of mobile courts to try those engaged in street trading across the state.
The Managing Director/Superintendent General, Operation Clean, and Healthy Anambra State, OCHA BRIGADE, Douglas Okafor, told newsmen in his office at Agu-Awka that any defaulter of the laws against street trading and another illegal trading, construction, littering of the state, would be prosecuted.
He pointed out that apart from the instant prosecution of offenders by the Mobile courts, they could also be tried at Court 2 and 4 in the state the judiciary complex, Awka.
“If they are found guilty, they will be incarcerated for some days. Sometimes a week or a month as the case may be,’’ he said.
While cautioning traders and commuters to desist from throwing or disposing refuse on the roads, Okafor also threatened to deal with any Ocha Brigade officer, who would compromise in the course of his duties.
“We have been sensitising, creating awareness in radio and television at least twice every week. I don’t see any reason why one will say he’s not aware of the state’s stand against illegal trading.
“Like our name signifies, the performance and duties of this agency are about keeping Anambra clean.
“Keeping clean reflects in different ways. It involves the removal of shanties, illegal structures, decongestion of traffic and public trading.
“We work in conjunction with all agencies in the state: Physical Planning, Board of Internal Revenue, Women Affairs, Environment and Ministry of Transportation.
“Our duty is basically to implement. For example, if Internal Revenue goes for defaulters, Ocha Brigade will join them.
“If we notice any illegal structure, we call the attention of the physical planning board. If the building, after an investigation is marked for demolition, Ocha Brigade will go for implementation,’’ he said.
– Mar. 16, 2020 @ 10:55 GMT |
Tags: Anambra sets up mobile courts to try offending street traders
