Traders in Awka, Anambra State capital have kicked against alleged imposition of fumigation levies on shop owners by a group claiming to be acting for Awka South Local Government as an agent.
The group, Aguka Agu Global Resources & Services LTD have been allegedly distributing papers entitled “Fumigation Against Coronavirus, Reptiles, Deadly Insects, etc. Demand notice,” which among other things, ordered lockup shop owners to pay sums ranging from 20,000 naira into a bank details belonging to Awka South Local Government.
The fumigation, it was learnt was to help the Council Area contain spread of coronavirus, since official report from the state government shows they have the highest recorded cases.
Some business operators who were allegedly taxed 20,000 naira to that effect, said they were given within a week to make the payment or face the wrath of the law.
They complained that the fee was exorbitant in view of the present economic situation in the country and the State where businesses are still gasping for air.
Some shop owners around Arroma Junction said they were charged 70,000 naira, wondering the kind of fumigation government was planning to launch in the local government area.
They complained that they did not receive palliatives from the government or other equipment useful in containing COVID-19, but now are being exploited, insisting that they would not pay.
Others threatened to follow any legal means to protect themselves, their shops and workers from the payment come what may.
However, when contacted, the Permanent Secretary, Anambra State Ministry of Environment, Dr Emmanuel Okafor, said neither his ministry nor the state government was aware of the fumigation and advised people not to pay.
Also speaking, the Transition Committee Chairman, Awka South Local Government, Honourable Leo Nwuba, said the agent acted in error, as it was initially agreed to fumigate public places like hotels, night clubs, and other areas excluding shops.
He said the exercise has been suspended, and no one should pay to anyone, explaining that it was initially meant to contain the spread of coronavirus in the council area, as Awka South was named the highest with Coronavirus cases in Anambra.
The Transition Committee Chairman promised to put heads together with his team to come out with better strategies, as all efforts are geared towards containing the spread of the virus in line with governor Willie Obiano’s directives.
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