Covid-19 lockdown Skyrockets prices of commodities, others in Anambra

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The lockdown order issued by Governor Willie Obiano with a view to contain the Coronavirus pandemic has recorded partial compliance in Anambra state even as prices of commodities and transportation within the state has skyrocketed.

Odogwublog investigation shows that most markets in Awka, the state capital, were partially closed as traders at some sections of the popular government house (GRA markets), Eke-Awka market, Amenyi, Aroma junction, First Market Ifite Awka and others were spotted on Wednesday, displaying their commodities including food stuffs, clothing, and other wares.

Lockdown

It was also observed that although road was less busy compared to when the order was not in place, people were spotted patronising salons, eateries, mama-puts, beer-parlours, fruit sellers, streets hawkers and kiosks, pharmacies and others.


Investigation also shows that although most transporters were complying to the order not to carry more than two, four or six persons depending on the type of vehicle, transport fares in all parts of the state suddenly rose to N1000 (Awka to Nnewi), N500 (Awka to Onitsha), N500 (Awka to Ekwulobia) and N100 to short distance journeys previously charged N50.
The state had shutdown civil service, inter state journeys, markets, public gatherings, ordered social distancing and sit-at-home, among other measures with a view to prevent the state from recording case of COVID-19.

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As a result, prices of commodities like transportation has equally risen to the sky. For instance, a painter of garri previously sold for N500 currently cost N1500, a bag of sachet of water sold between N150 and N200 instead of N100, a plate of mama-put food (N300 or N400), pumping of tyers (from N100 and above), a little tin of hand sanitiser (N1000 instead of N200), and others. Reacting, a community leader, Mr Ndu Nwanna, while commending the government for their measures to prevent entrance of corona virus into the state, appealed to governor Willie Obiano led COVID- 19 Action Committee to become proactive in its response by bringing up policies that would reduce the negative effects of government orders on the citizens.
Speaking in an interview, a trader, Mrs Uju Ekweonu and a transporter, Mr Zion Ekemezie blamed the hike in prices of commodities and transportation on government whose officials they claimed were still chasing and taxing them, and the law of demand and supply.

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However, a release signed by Mr Emeh Blaiz Pascal, a staff of Taxpayer Education and Enlightenment Team (TEET) of the Anambra State Internal Revenue Service (AiRS), said it was untrue that officials of the agency was taxing traders in the period of COVID-19 lockdown.

According to Paschal, the traders were free to pay at comfort of their homes without molestation through their official website as Governor Willie Obiano approved a “Stimulus Package of 10% of what they paid in 2019 for all Traders and Business Owners in the state. “

Meanwhile, Comdt.David Bille, the Anambra State Commandant of Nigeria Security and Civil Defence (NSCDC), and the Sector Commander, Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC), had confirmed total compliance to the state government order on closure of land borders.

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The paramilitary offices in a separate releases reported that their monitoring teams at Amansea border  Awka Enugu Express Way,  Ebenebe border leading to Agbaja Ezi Agu Local Government Area of Enugu State, Niger Bridge (Anambra-Delta boundary) and Amorka(Anambra-Imo boundary) were not violated. 

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