The Rivers State Government is taking steps to sufficiently address the protracted traffic gridlock experienced by motorists along the UTC-Azikiwe road of Port Harcourt.
A two weeks ultimatum has therefore, been given to the two companies to ensure that their truck drivers do not constitute such traffic nuisance along the roads anymore.
These were made bare at the Wednesday meeting that held between the Rivers Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Rt. Hon. Evans Bipi and representatives of Bua Group and Olam Grains companies.
They had met to explore possible measures that can be adopted to addressing the increased traffic congestion that has since been an issue of concern.
Rt Hon. Evans Bipi said the Ministry will set up a Taskforce that will work to ensure the easing of the menace of traffic congestion in the area.
He observed that the persistent traffic congestion along the UTC- Azikiwe road was caused by the indiscriminate packing of trucks.
Rt Hon Bipi frown at such reckless parking because it defaces the City Centre and particularly, becomes eyesore because it is close to the Rivers State Government House.
He informed that the Taskforce will have a representative of each of the companies as members.
The Commissioner assured of giving adequate support to the Taskforce so that it can bring sanity to the area in the quickest possible time.
In his speech, the General Manager of National Logistics of Olam Grains said there was an unresolved land matter between it and the Nigerian Railway corporation and appealed for stay government intervention.
He explained that they had acquired a piece of land close-by as holding bay for their trucks, and if released to them, it will form part of the permanent solution sought to addressing the problem of traffic congestion along the Azikiwe road.
On his part, the General Manager in charge of Transport of Bua Group Alh. Bashir Kwalli appealed for time for both companies to interface with the operators of the trucks to find safer and alternative ways of parking their trucks.
He assured that they would be able to conscientize the truck drivers on the need to ease the area of further traffic bottlenecks.
