From CHARLES ONYEKWERE
Enugu State government has partnered telecommunication giant, MTN Nigeria Communications PLC to set up a task force on traffic and security management on Enugu-Onitsha Highway, in order to forestall accidents, insecurity and traffic hold-up.
The task force, saddled with ensuring lane integrity and drivers adherence to traffic rules along Enugu section of the highway, was a fallout of fuel tanker accidents in which scores of persons were burnt to death on Ugwu-Onyeama axis of the road.
The Principal Consultant of Community Liaison Initiative, CLI, to MTN, Engr Chris Okoye told newsmen in Enugu yesterday, after the task force’s inaugural meeting, that setting up of the task force became imperative and compelling.
Okoye, who is the Chairman of Crown Crest Global Engineering, CCGE, condemned the flagrant disregard for lane integrity and the basic rules of driving by trailers and tanker drivers along 9th Mile to Ugwu-Onyeama axis of the highway.
“The task force was predicated upon the directive of Governor Peter Mbah that all vehicles plying this section of the highway must maintain lane integrity and conform to traffic laws until both lanes are put in good order.
“Consequently, CCGE/CLI took the initiative to ensure that the governor’s directives are carried out in order to prevent another fatal accident along this axis of the highway.
“The essence of the joint task force is to create a synergy among stakeholders on traffic and security in Enugu State, to ensure the enforcement of 100 percent compliance to lane integrity on the entire road.
“This is especially between 9th Mile to 82 Division Junction corridor of the road,” he said.
Okoye said the joint task force would also ensure the implementation of the anti-spill lock for petrol tankers and trucks plying the road.
Commenting on the ‘New Smart Road’ concept, Okoye said MTN wanted to ensure that the road is a smart road; thus having road furniture and technology, which include solar-powered lights, security cameras and others.
He noted that smart roads are in vogue the world over and well fashioned for good traffic management and security.
In attendance at the meeting were Major U.E. Joseph, representing the Garrison Commander, 82 Division, Nigerian Army, Enugu; Sector Commander, Federal Road Safety Corps, FRSC, Mr Franklin Agbakoba, and Assistant Commissioner of Police, Mr Oliver Odimega, representing the Commissioner of Police.
AljazirahNigeria reports that MTN is funding the Enugu-Onitsha Highway construction through the federal government’s Road Infrastructure Tax Credit Scheme, RITCS.