The Abia State Government has ordered all street traders, particularly those on the newly reconstructed roads in Aba and Umuahia, to leave the streets by July 1st or face severe penalties. This directive was announced on Thursday by Izuchukwu Onwughara, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Works, on behalf of Commissioner Otumchere Oti.
The government also criticized those dumping waste into drainage systems and mechanics using parts of the roads as workshops.
The statement warned that severe penalties will be imposed on anyone engaging in activities that jeopardize the longevity of the roads.
The statement reads: “Government is by this announcement reminding the general public that transacting business on the newly constructed and reconstruction roads in the state, and other unwholesome activities like dumping of refuse into the drainage, channelling of borehole and sewage water to the asphalted roads, and mechanics repairing vehicles along the roads are prohibited.
“Such activities will no longer be tolerated as they are detrimental to the life span of the roads.
“Consequently, the government is warning the defaulters to stop forthwith and those who display their wares on the asphalted pavement, particularly at Owerri Road in Umuahia, Kenth Road, Jubilee Road, Ngwa Road, Port Harcourt Road, Obioha Road, and Enugu Port Harcourt Expressway by Ariaria Market Junction all in Aba, to vacate the roads within seven days of this announcement or be prepared to dance the rhythm of the long arms of law.”
