Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has said the first phase of the Creek Road Market reconstruction project in Old Port Harcourt Township will provide approximately 700 shops, improve trading conditions and ease traffic congestion in the area.
The governor gave the assurance during an inspection of the ongoing project, where he expressed satisfaction with the quality and progress of work.
Fubara explained that the new market would accommodate traders dealing in wet and dry goods, particularly women currently conducting business along Creek Road and adjoining streets.
According to him, relocating the traders into the market would free the major road of roadside trading and allow the government to rehabilitate surrounding roads, thereby improving traffic flow and access within the township.
“With 700 shops, it is clear that our women who are trading along Creek Road will be relocated, and we’ll have freer access along the road,” the governor said.
He described Old Port Harcourt Township as a historic part of the city, noting that it is home to elderly residents and the area’s original inhabitants, whom he referred to as the “Aborigines”.
The governor stressed the need to restore the township’s cleanliness, orderliness and dignity, observing that street trading had spread beyond Creek Road to other roads in the area.
“It’s important we tidy up this road so that these traders can evacuate the major road, and the road will be free,” he said.
Fubara assured that his administration would provide the necessary support to ensure the timely completion of the project.
He added that the contractor had pledged to deliver the project by the end of January 2027.
The Creek Road Market reconstruction is part of the Fubara administration’s urban renewal efforts aimed at improving commercial activities, reducing traffic congestion and creating a cleaner and more organised environment in Port Harcourt.
When completed, the market is expected to provide a more suitable trading environment for traders while improving road access for residents and other commuters in Old Port Harcourt Township.
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