Ebonyi State Government on Tuesday sacked all contractors handling the construction of the State International Market along Abakaliki/Ogoja highway.

According to the government, Governor David Umahi approved their disengagement following slow pace of work at the site.

Recall that January 10th was slated for the commissioning and relocation of the traders but the Governor shifted it to February 10th to enable the government complete ongoing works including installation of functional toilet for the traders.

A statement signed by the Secretary to Ebonyi State Government, Dr. Kenneth Ugballa, lamented that the slow pace of work has frustrated government from delivering the job on the agreed period.

He said that the Governor has also directed that state government should take over the essential aspects of the market project and complete them within two weeks using the State Direct Labour Agency, to enable the Abakpa Market to conveniently move to the new market as scheduled.

The statement read, “All contracts at Margate Umahi International Market are by this notice terminated with immediate effect by Ebonyi State Government for slow pace of work which has frustrated the Government from delivering on the projects on schedule.

“Consequently, His Excellency, the Governor of Ebonyi State, Engr. David Nweze Umahi, has directed that Government should take over the essential aspects of the market project and complete them within two weeks by direct labour, to enable the Abakpa Market to conveniently move to the new market as scheduled.

“Please note that the movement date still remains 10th February, 2020.” the statement added.