Traders in Torit old market ‘shuk kedim’ along Juba road, have up to Saturday to relocate businesses to Torit Modern Market or face closure of stalls.
Eastern Equatoria State Governor Louis Lobong Lojore issued a strong message to the traders on Wednesday, insisting on a compulsory shift to the new market, Radio Emmanuel reported.
Meeting the traders in his office, Governor Lobong said the state government would construct police station within the market to safeguard traders and their property and maintain roads leading to and within the market area.
Governor Lobong said government used a lot of money for constructing the modern market that cannot be wasted without any productive use.
Appreciating the move to meet him, the Governor advised that office of the Mayor has the right to handle concerns of the business community not secretariat.
Torit Mayor Martin Odeki reechoed his early warning never to reverse the order issued to traders to relocate at the end of January.
Odeki threatened to close down the old market along Juba road after the three days deadline given to the traders expires.
Torit Business Community Acting Chairperson Lily Hidita Nartison who led a team to the Governor, said the model market requires preparations before traders relocate.
She cited challenges of lack of shops, poor security and poor drainage of the market area.