By Mabel Adorkor Annang.
Demolition of the Hong-Kong storey building at the Makola market in Accra, has disrupted business activities around the area as traders have been prevented from accessing their wares.
The concerned traders described the situation as worrying as it will only worsen their plight. They called on the authorities to facilitate an expedited pull down of the fire ravaged structure to enable them to get back to their trading activities.
The Traders said if the demolition is not completed as scheduled, it will affect their loan repayments. Furthermore, schools will re-open by the end of this month and they would need money to cater for their children.
On a visit to the demolition site, the road leading to the Hong-Kong storey building at the Makola market was completely empty as Traders who sell on the shoulders of the road around the area have been asked not to sell till the exercise was completed.
The exercise which was to take 3 days has been extended to 1 week. A situation the aggrieved traders are concerned about. They worry further that the removal of debris might also take longer than City Officials anticipated.
A Trader who sells cereals, Mother said the AMA should speed up with demolishing so traders can return to their activities.
‘’Some of us have gone for loans to and fear we may default in the repayment, if the exercise does not end soon’’.
Another Trader who sells jewellery, Diana wants the City Guards to be considerate during situations like this.
‘’This is not the time for them to show off the prowess on the job’’.
Another trader Janet Teye Glover said the smoke and water emanating from the storey building entered her shop, and destroyed her goods.
The Accra Metropolitan Authority has disclosed that until the demolition and clearing are done, the road would not be opened to traffic or any trading activity.
