BY IFEANYI UWAGWU
THE Delta State Traffic Management Authority (DESTMA) has warned traders in the state against engaging in road trading, emphasising the risks it poses to both traders and road users.
The warning was issued by the Board Chairman of DESTMA, Chief Peter Idion, during a sensitisation programme held at Baleke Market, Agbor. Addressing traders and stakeholders, Chief Idion reiterated that Governor Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori prioritises the safety of residents and has mandated DESTMA to ensure that major roads remain free from congestion.
He cautioned that trading on roads is highly dangerous, as it increases the likelihood of accidents and stressed that DESTMA was committed to restoring order on Delta roads and called for the cooperation of all stakeholders.
The DESTMA Chairman, who invited Agbor Palace Chiefs and other key stakeholders to the sensitisation programme, stated that the agency is determined to fulfil its mandate. He emphasised that achieving success would require the collective support of all concerned parties.
In their separate remarks, Chiefs Louis Usifoh, Erere Ojemudia, Gideon Okobia, Collins Ekiegini, Kester Utebor, Joseph Eluma, and Nkem Oghonim, all from the Agbor Royal Palace, condemned the actions of traders, who conduct business in the middle of the road. They urged them to desist for the sake of their safety and commended DESTMA for its proactive steps in restoring sanity to the state’s major roads. The chiefs also pledged their support for DESTMA’s efforts to enforce traffic regulations to save lives.
Other stakeholders present, including the Officer in Charge of Revenue, Mr Fortunate Agholor, and the Chairman of the Committee on Environment, Mr Famous Abaye, both from Ika South Local Government Council, pledged to collaborate with DESTMA in managing traffic in major markets and roads within Agbor. Speaking on behalf of the traders, Mrs Agowonyi and Market Master, Mr Tony Emegha, assured DESTMA of their full compliance with the directive against road trading. Following the sensitisation programme, Chief Peter Idion and his officers swung into action, focusing on the congested Baleke and Akpenyi Streets in Agbor. The operation, which lasted over two hours, successfully decongested the roads—an achievement that had previously proved difficult.
Reacting to the development, motorists and other road users applauded the DESTMA Chairman and his team for their effort They also commended Governor Sheriff Oborevwori for appointing competent individuals to the DESTMA Board. While pledging their full compliance with traffic regulations, they expressed their support for the state government’s initiative to maintain order on Delta roads.
