By Sorie Ibrahim Fofanah
Sani Abacha Street Traders have been given two months more to vacate the street for trading activities and relocate to the Sewa ground market which is under construction. The traders have recently been moved from the main street to behind the rail guards.
Updating journalists at a Press Conference on Thursday last week, Assistant Inspector General of Police Brima Jah stated that the removal of Petty Traders from certain parts of Sani Abacha Street in central Freetown was to aid the smooth movement of pedestrian and vehicular traffic, and had nothing to do with politics.
They told Journalists at the George Street Police Headquarters in Freetown that the traders have been instructed to sell behind the rail guards and had given them what they said is a “human face’’ for them to do their trading.
Also, it was confirmed that the Sewa Grounds Market is almost ready and will be complete officially by September 30th, 2023.
In an interview with Politico, one of the traders who hawks her said people like her who do not have stalls or tables are not permitted to be behind the railings.
Aishatu said she has been going through a lot during the ban on street trading. “I have two children. I pay their school fees and provide food for the home. My husband is there, but he hasn’t got a job. Basically, I take care of everything in the home,’’ She said
She went further to say whenever they (the traders) are driven from the said street, they always do not feel good about it, adding that, their homes have commitments to address.
“Some of us have taken ’microcredit’ which needs to be paid. So if we are not doing business, we will not be able to pay’’ Aishatu said.
Abibatu who has a stall behind the railings said they are upset when they are ‘’spontaneously’’ removed from her business spot at Sani Abacha Street. She said they have pleaded with the authorities to be given some time to be there and called on the government to help them with a ‘’permanent market.’’
Hawa a trader has an umbrella over her small stall, selling cosmetics. “I have five children to look after and they are attending school. All this while, not doing our usual business, was not okay’’, she stated.
She pleaded that they are given the free will to do their business as they don’t have any other source of getting money.
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