All hawkers on the street in the state of Abia, particularly those along the recently repaired roadways in Aba and Umuahia, have been ordered by the government to remove their wares by July 1st, failing which they risk severe penalties. On behalf of Commissioner Otumchere Oti, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Works, Izuchukwu Onwughara, released a statement on Thursday that included this information.
READ ALSO: Abia Government Orders Street Traders To Vacate Or Face Severe Penalties
Additionally, the government disapproved of people who dumped trash into drainage systems and mechanics who used sections of the highways as makeshift workshops. As per the statement, anybody whose actions endanger the longevity of the roadways will face severe penalties.
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.”
The Abia State Government’s directive to street vendors is a significant move in the direction of protecting the recently rebuilt roadways in Umuahia and Aba. The decree demonstrates the government’s commitment to safeguarding public infrastructure and making sure that investments made in urban development last, even though it has generated conflicting responses. The government wants to provide a more manageable, effective, and sustainable urban environment that is advantageous to all citizens, thus it strikes a balance between supporting traders and enforcing the law. The success of this program will depend on the collaboration of all parties involved and the efficiency of the government’s enforcement and assistance measures as the deadline of July 1st draws near.