By Abasi Ita
Residents of Calabar, the Cross River State capital, and regular shoppers at Calabar Mall have commended Calabar Retailment Centre, managers of SPAR Shopping Mall, for reopening the facility weeks after the August 22 fire that damaged parts of the complex.
The residents, who spoke with our reporter during a visit to assess rehabilitation efforts at the mall, said the reopening would restore access to a major shopping centre, revive commercial activities and provide relief to businesses and workers affected by the incident.
They said reopening ahead of the Christmas season would enable residents to plan their shopping, while also serving tourists expected in the city for the annual Calabar Carnival.
The residents also appealed to Governor Bassey Otu to complement the N25 million support announced by First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu for the 18 business owners affected by the fire.
One of the shoppers, Umo Bassey, commended the mall’s management for its efforts to restore operations.
“I want to commend the mall managers for the proactive measures they have taken to expedite the reopening. The development will enable us to shop for Christmas and restore normal commercial activities,” he said.
Also speaking, a public servant, Gladys Owen, said the reopening would help meet the shopping needs of residents and tourists during the carnival season.
She urged the state government and mall management to strengthen safety measures to prevent a recurrence.
Another resident, Bassey Ekpo, appealed for additional government assistance for the affected businesses, noting that many traders had invested substantial resources in their outlets and merchandise.
“I want to thank President Tinubu for his humane gesture towards the 18 business owners who suffered losses in the inferno. The state government should also do its part to complement the President’s efforts,” he said.
Findings showed that rehabilitation work had commenced on the affected sections, while several affected traders had resumed skeletal operations at the mall’s Event Centre, renamed Price Market.
An affected trader, who spoke on condition of anonymity, described the temporary arrangement as a major relief.
“We are praying that our People First Governor and the First Lady of the state will complement President Tinubu’s gesture to facilitate the quick restoration of our businesses, which are our sources of livelihood,” she said.
The residents also called for the revamp of the state fire service and stronger emergency response systems around major commercial facilities.