The Enugu State Government has said it will collaborate with the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) to ensure free traffic flow within the four months in the ember months period.
Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi gave the assurance while flagging off the 2021 Ember Months Campaign in Enugu on Thursday, with the theme: “Maintain Safe Speed”.
Ugwuanyi, represented by his Special Assistant on Transport, Mr. Benjamin Ikah, said that the government had started clearing encumbrances to smooth traffic flow in the state especially within the Emene axis of the Enugu-Abakaliki Road.
According to him, the government has demolished a roadside market and relocated its traders to the Ultra Modern Orie Emene Market as well as developed a truck parking space in the Emene axis.
“The state government is committed to solving the age-long traffic grid-lock in Enugu-Abakaliki Road, precisely in Emene, by demolishing roadside markets, stopping roadside trading and relocating trucks and articulated vehicles to a modern park. “This Ember months period and the yuletide will witness a smooth flow of traffic in Emene axis and other parts of the state.
“The government had employed over 500 youths in the traffic section of the state’s Ministry of Transport and they are working in all state road routes in collaboration with the FRSC to control and manage traffic.
“The government is also building new transport infrastructure like roads, flyover and pedestrian bridges to ensure free flow of traffic as well as building modern bus stops,” he said.
Earlier, Sector Commander of FRSC in Enugu State, Mr. Joseph Udoabba, said that due to analysis of the crash data over the years the theme ‘Maintain Safe Speed’ was carefully chosen to avoid night travels and enjoy quality road experience.
According to Udoabba, road safety is a shared responsibility, involving all. So, drivers should take responsibility by being considerate to other road users such as small vehicles, bicycles, tricycles, pedestrians among others.
The sector commander also urged drivers to abide by all driving rules and regulations by possessing positive driving attitudes in order to enjoy quality road experience.
He appealed to all residents of the state especially drivers to avoid night travel as much as possible, adding that God had designed the night for rest for all and humans falling asleep due to call of nature.
In a message, the FRSC South-East Zonal Commander, Mr. Francis Udoma, called for the cooperation of all road users to achieve the objective of the Ember months campaign in the state, which is meant to reduce road crashes.
Udoma said: “The campaign is meant to ensure all road users accommodate each other as well as displaying the spirit of being ones brother’s keeper while on the road”.
The State Coordinator of FRSC Special Marshals, Mr. Tony Orji, said that the special marshals would assist in ensuring that the campaign was a success by volunteering their time and resources to participate actively in it.