From CHARLES ONYEKWERE
Federal Road Safety Corps, FRSC, has hailed the Enugu State government for its road reconstruction project including spacious side walkways.
The Sector Commander of FRSC, Franklin Agbakoba gave the commendation yesterday in Enugu at a press briefing during the commemoration of the 8th United Nations Global Road Safety Week in the state.
Agbakoba noted that with the spacious walkways and putting other necessary road infrastructure such as well-designed bus stops and lighting, the Governor Peter Mbah-led administration had achieved one of the major goals of the United Nations.
According to him, with new road designs, spacious walkways and other infrastructure made compulsory in all roads, Governor Mbah has prioritised the safety and security of pedestrians.
Agbakoba noted that during the event, FRSC stakeholders and Enugu State Command would focus on education and awareness that deals with the safety of vulnerable road users, who are those walking and cycling within the cities and roads.
He explained that the event was meant to reinforce collective responsibilities in making roads safer for everybody as
established in 2007 by the UN General Assembly as efforts would spotlight the need to prioritise non-motorised transportation safety.
“As a corps, we have continued to generate strategies to meet these glaring challenges. We have intensified our public enlightenment campaigns both in the state and nationwide.
“The establishment and sustenance of road safety clubs in schools to catch-them-young and ensured that walkways, zebra crossing and cycling lanes are incorporated into new and existing road projects.
“FRSC is also monitoring drivers behaviour in high-risk routes, enforce speed limits and also ensure well-structured safety education for children and youths to imbibe positive road culture and habits,” he said.
He urged road safety stakeholders in the state to sustain the call for action meant to build a road environment and culture
where pedestrians and cyclists are protected and no life is lost needlessly.
The week long event included a press briefing, sensitisation rally and distribution of fliers, strategic visit to selected schools for safety education and Road Safety Officers Wives Association’s, ROSOWA, visit to fleet operators.
Others are commemorative juma’at prayer on Friday, ROSOWA’s visit to orphanage homes and commemorative church service on Sunday among others.