The District Chief Executive for Jasikan, Lawrence Aziale has cautioned the youth in his district against engaging in acts of lawlessness.

According to him, such efforts should be directed at fighting for development for the area, instead of rebelling against authorities.

The DCE made the remarks following some confrontations when his office went to hand over about 30 lockable market stores to traders.

The traders had argued that the front and back views of the building had to be paved with tiles before any handing over ceremony.

The 30 lockable store project was started under the previous NDC government in 2014 but could not be completed on schedule although it was budgeted for.

It was during a brief ceremony to hand over the facility to the owners (traders) after earlier postponement that some traders started expressing their displeasure.

According to the disgruntled traders, the place cannot be open for business until the building has been properly furnished.

Emmanuel Obeiko, a concerned trader, speaking for the group accused the DCE of changing the terms of the “gentleman agreement” they earlier had with the former DCE.

He also accused the DCE, Lawrence Aziale of using the initiative to push his campaign as an aspiring parliamentary candidate for the Buem Constituency.

But Mr. Lawrence Aziale says the demands by the traders cannot be met immediately as it was not part of the initial contract.

According to him, it would take a second budget from the assembly to get the work done.

“The project is a District Development Facility (DDF). Even though this project was budgeted for, it was not completed and when I came (into office), there was no such fund and we have to go through the assessment again to enable us get some funds to complete it.”

On whether or not there would be an investigation into why the project was not completed although budgeted for, the DCE said his office would consider that, adding he has asked his engineers to look into it.

“I have asked the engineers at the assembly to look into it and at the right time, we would come out with our findings.”

“It is a complex issue and sometimes you (one) may jump into wrong conclusion if it is not looked at properly.”

The traders have also raised concerns about the unavailability of access rout to the stores.

However, JoyNews can confirm that there is an access route at the back of the stores although it needed some grading to make it more usable.

The DCE is warning the youth to desist from actions that will hinder the peace of the area as his office would not tolerant such rowdiness.

"We will not be stampeded to do what they like. We will follow the law to the latter. We are not going to allow such lawlessness to continue."

"I am however appealing to the youth not to allow themselves to be used by anybody to cause trouble, because when the law catches up with you, you will stand alone."