The Association of Dynamic Traders in Plateau State has said they are in
support of the decision by the Plateau State governor, Hon. Simon
Lalong to demolish, reconstruct and rebuild the Jos Terminus Market.
Rwas Eric Gyang, the Chairman of Association of Dynamic Traders in
Plateau state in a statement made available to newsmen in Jos on
Wednesday reads that “We are in support of this decision because this
is the first time that an administration has been able to define in
basic terms the right remedy for the burnt down Terminus Market since it
was razed in 2001.”
The statement reads that “A previous administration in the state had
toyed with the idea of renovating the structure by merely replacing
destroyed and weak pillars but this had failed while another
administration came with the idea of totally pulling it down to clear
the entire place but this also could not be achieved.”
“The decision of the current governor to remove the scraps weak
components and at the same time raise modern structures to build a
commercial hub is the product of deep and innovative thinking which must
be encouraged.”
“We are led to support this idea because it will make Jos, the Plateau
State capital a mini Dubai with modern shops and magnificent edifices
that would attract tourists to the state.”
“As businessmen and entrepreneurs, we recognize the role of capital in
driving a commercial venture hence we are not dazed by the amount
estimated to carry out the work but are satisfied with the explanation
given by the governor on how he intends to achieve this and the N1.1bn
earmarked for the project.”
“At this juncture, we will like to sound a strong note of warning to
those who did not understand the concept of the project and the amount
earmarked to achieve it but are twisting the narrative to make it look
like the entire sum is for demolition.”
Traders in Plateau State are prepared to support anything that will be
for the general good of the people of the state and we make bold to
state that it is our estimation that rebuilding the Terminus Market with
the introduction of four other component is a laudable idea that would
serve the interest of the people of the state.
We will like to call the attention of the people of the state and beyond
to the explanation given by the governor that he sees the need to
rebuild the market because it has been the main source of revenue for
the government which would help in addressing the challenges of the
state by earning more revenue for the government especially now that it
wants to be able to pay the new minimum wage.
Hence the N1.1bn cannot be for demolition of worn out components but
includes the reconstruction of the market and we must all support this
great idea.
We call on the contractors to expedite action on the demolition so that
the process can begin for the people to reap the benefits therein.