During Thursday afternoon’s session, Hon Sam Osuji’s proposal regarding the improvement and restructuring of Traffic Management in Imo State garnered substantial support from fellow lawmakers at the Imo State House of Assembly.
In his presentation, Hon Osuji, representing Isiala Mbano constituency, emphasized the urgent need for the Imo State Government to undertake a comprehensive reorganization of the Imo State Traffic Management Agency (ISTMA) to ensure its optimal functionality. He stressed the importance of imbuing ISTMA officers with a results-oriented approach to their duties and highlighted the challenges posed by members of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) in certain areas, particularly with the establishment of illegal parks.
The assembly members echoed Hon Osuji’s concerns and called for the interrogation of NURTW officials implicated in obstructive practices. They expressed dismay over the proliferation of illegal parks across Imo State, particularly within Owerri metropolis, emphasizing the necessity of eradicating these unauthorized facilities to mitigate traffic congestion at bus stops.
Additionally, the lawmakers condemned the reckless behavior exhibited by some drivers on Imo’s roads, noting the increasing prevalence of traffic violations and lawlessness. They voiced their alarm at the escalating rate of traffic offenses committed by drivers and criticized the conduct of keke riders, underscoring the need for stricter enforcement of traffic regulations to enhance road safety and ensure orderly transportation within the state.