The Abia State Government has announced plans to relocate palm kernel dealers and crackers operating along Nkata Ameke Road in Umuahia to a more suitable site as part of efforts to safeguard public health and promote orderly urban development.

The General Manager of the Umuahia Capital Development Authority (UCDA), Mr. Kingsley Agomoh, disclosed the plan during a meeting with members of the Palm Kernel Dealers Association. He assured the traders that the government recognizes the importance of their business and is committed to providing them with a conducive environment to operate without creating health hazards for residents.

Agomoh explained that the decision was informed by the environmental and public health concerns associated with the current location of the businesses. He, however, assured the dealers that the relocation process would be smooth and properly coordinated.

According to him, the administration of Governor Alex Otti remains committed to ensuring that businesses operate in well-organized and suitable locations in line with its urban renewal and development agenda.

He noted that the Ameke Road axis, where the dealers currently carry out their activities, lies along a railway corridor, while the smoke generated from palm kernel processing has become a major concern for residents and motorists using the route.

The UCDA General Manager further clarified that the relocation would apply not only to operators working directly on the railway corridor but also to those conducting the business on private properties within the surrounding area.

Speaking on behalf of the dealers, the Vice President of the Palm Kernel Dealers Association, Mrs. Queen Uwandu, commended the UCDA and the Abia State Government for adopting a peaceful and consultative approach by engaging the association before implementing the relocation.

She pledged the association's cooperation with the government and appealed for the allocation of a new site with adequate access to water to support their operations.

Also present at the meeting were the Director of Town Planning at the UCDA, Mr. Tony Onyemereneze, and other heads of departments.