COVID-19: Anambra Gov’t To Fumigate 65 Markets, Distributes Rice To Residents

The Anambra State Covid-19 Action Committee, on Tuesday, began the fumigation of major markets in the state, beginning from Onitsha Main Market.

THE WHISTLER gathered that there are 63 major markets in the state scheduled for the exercise.

During the flag-off, the state’s commissioner for health, Vincent Okpala, said the excercise was aimed at ensuring that the state remained coronavirus-free. He added that the fumigation would also help tackle rodents and germs responsible for Lassa fever and other diseases.

“The fumigation will be done with diluted sodium hypochloride in line with the provisions of the World Health Organization,” he said.

Speaking at the event, the state commissioner of trade and commerce, Uchenna Okafor, commended residents of the state, especially traders, for complying with the social restriction orders.

He said, “I commend the state government for leading the battle against Coronavirus from the front. The closure of markets, schools and other public places in the state are all aimed at preventing the spread of the virus.

“The choice of Onitsha Main
Market, Onitsha, is significant. It serves as a hub for west and central Africa being the largest market in the zone.”

Chief Ik Ekwegbalu, president-general of Anambra State Markets Amalgamated Traders Association (ASMATA), in a speech, commended the state government for fumigating the markets.

Chief Ekwegbalu further thanked traders for heeding to government’s instructions, maintaining that the state would win the battle against Coronavirus.

So far, there is no confirmed case of Coronavirus in Anambra State. The state government in the fight against the scourge transformed the main hall of the NYSC camp, Umuawulu/Mbaukwu, to a 250-bed protection centre.

Another protection centre had also been set up at the General Hospital, Onitsha while surge centres were set up at Ekwulobia and Umueri.

As a palliative, Gov. Willie Obiano has directed the distribution of 200 bags of rice to each of the 181 communities in the state as palliatives.