The Enugu State Government says it will collaborate with the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) to ensure free traffic flow in the state in the last quarter of the year tagged “the Ember months period’’.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the ‘Ember month period’ is the last four months of the year – September, October, November and December.
Gov. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi gave the assurance while flagging off the 2021 FRSC 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 on the highways to ensure smooth traffic flow in the state especially at the Emene axis of the Enugu-Abakaliki Road.
According to him, the government has demolished the roadside market and relocated its traders to the Ultra Modern Orie Emene Market as well as provided a truck parking space in the Emene axis.
“The state government is committed to solve the age-long traffic gridlock 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 has 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 infrastructures like roads, flyovers and pedestrian bridges to ensure free flow of traffic as well as building modern bus stops,” he said.
Earlier, the Sector Commander of FRSC in Enugu State, Mr Joseph Udoabba, said that analysis of the crash data over the years was what inspired the theme ‘Maintain Safe Speed’.
According to Udoabba, road safety is a shared responsibility, involving all. So, drivers should take responsibility by being considerate of other road users such as small vehicles, bicycles, tricycles, pedestrians etc.
“We want everyone to transit and crossover from 2021 to 2022 in safety and health; with our body parts intact,” he said.
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.
According to him, humans falling asleep on the wheels was 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.
“We want all road users to join us to ensure we reduce accidents within this Ember months period,” Orji said.
It is believed that most road corridors nationwide are busier during this period of the year. (NAN)
