In a bid to alleviate congestion and ensure the safety of residents, Mayor Victor Ikeji, the Chairman of Umuahia North Local Government Area (LGA) in Abia State, has issued a groundbreaking executive order. The directive prohibits the loading and offloading of goods from trucks within the Umuahia North metropolis from 7 am to 8 pm daily. This bold move signifies a commitment to promoting public peace and enhancing the free flow of traffic within the urban areas.
Under this new policy, the LGA Chairman has revoked previous executive orders that were in conflict with the current directive, emphasizing the importance of harmonizing regulations for the greater good. The immediate implementation of the ban underscores the urgency of addressing the prevalent challenges of congestion and disruptions to public peace, which have been attributed to the activities of truck operators and goods owners in Umuahia.
Mayor Ikeji has condemned the “unwholesome” practices of truck drivers in the city and has explicitly prohibited wholesale and retail goods dealers from offloading and loading their merchandise on public roads, streets, or any public spaces between the specified hours. Instead, affected businesses are urged to utilize the designated offloading/loading bays at Ubani Market and other assigned parks at all times, 24 hours a day.
To uphold the order, Mayor Ikeji has mandated relevant law enforcement agencies and task forces to ensure its effective enforcement and compliance without bias. Highlighting the severity of the consequences for violations, a fine of 200,000 Naira or more is stipulated for erring wholesale/retail dealers or vendors of goods and services. Additionally, defaulters will face legal repercussions from the LGA, demonstrating the unwavering commitment to upholding the new regulation.
Moreover, the LGA anticipates further measures to facilitate loading and offloading of goods at specific approved locations, thereby continuously adapting to the evolving needs of the community. While the directive has garnered support from many private vehicle owners and road users, concerns have been raised by some truck owners who fear potential encounters with overzealous touts and revenue agents in the city.
The proactive stance taken by Umuahia North LGA serves as a noteworthy example of local governance prioritizing public safety and efficient traffic management. As the ban takes effect, residents and stakeholders are poised to witness a transformative shift in urban logistics, paving the way for a more streamlined and secure urban environment.
