From Owen Akenzua, Asaba
Delta State Traffic Management Authority, DESTMA, has pledged to instill traffic culture among road users.
This commitment was made by the agency’s Director-General, Benjamin Okiemute, while addressing staff at DESTMA headquarters yesterday on assumption of office.
Okiemute stated that DESTMA would be repositioned and rebranded to align with the ‘MORE’ agenda of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s administration, with focus on building public trust and shedding the previously held perception of the agency as antagonistic to Deltans.
“In line with the fourth pillar of the ‘MORE’ agenda, enhanced peace and decurity, the agency will ensure the safety and security of motorists and other road users by creating, enforcing and sustaining compliance with traffic rules and regulations, thereby fostering a disciplined traffic culture across the state,” he said.
Addressing the operational challenges raised by staff, such as inadequate tools and logistics, the director-general assured that these issues would be addressed.
He emphasised his desire to elevate DESTMA to a standard that would make it the envy of other agencies in the state, adding that periodic training and re-training of staff would be a top priority.
He urged officers to adhere strictly to the ethics of their profession, warning that indiscipline would not be tolerated.
He assured that his leadership would usher in a new era for the agency characterised by improved operations and professionalism.
Emphasising the importance of maintaining work standards, he announced that intelligence officers would be recruited to monitor personnel at their respective duty posts in Asaba to ensure strict compliance with operational guidelines.
He reiterated the commitment of the new administration to work closely with officers to address their challenges and foster a more efficient and supportive work environment.
