The Anambra State House of Assembly has urged Governor Chukwuma Soludo to direct the Commissioner for Transport, Mr Edward Ibuzo, and the Anambra State Road Traffic Management Agency (ARTMA) to enforce the use of designated terminals by commercial buses operating along the Bridge Head and Upper Iweka axis of Onitsha.
The lawmakers also called for a ban on unauthorised loading and offloading of passengers along the corridor to reduce traffic congestion and improve road safety.
The resolution followed a motion sponsored by the member representing Aguata II Constituency, Hon. Anthony Muobike, and seconded by the member representing Idemili South Constituency, Hon. Ebuka Igwe, during plenary on Nov. 10.
The Speaker, Rt. Hon. Somtochukwu Udeze, who presided over the sitting, put the motion to a voice vote, and it was unanimously adopted.
Presenting the motion, Hon. Muobike expressed concern that commercial buses obstructed service lanes, exposing road users to traffic hazards and possible attacks by criminal elements.
He attributed the persistent congestion along the Onitsha Asaba Expressway, particularly between Bridge Head and Upper Iweka, to indiscriminate loading and offloading of passengers by commercial buses.
The lawmaker said the practice reduced the effective capacity of the highway, impeded the free flow of traffic and caused avoidable delays for motorists, commuters and traders.
He advocated the use of designated terminals located within 100 metres of the Niger Bridge, alongside appropriate road signs, public enlightenment and consistent enforcement, to improve traffic flow, enhance safety and promote orderly commercial transport operations.
Hon. Muobike also called for coordinated enforcement by the Ministry of Transport and ARTMA in line with their respective statutory responsibilities.
Contributing, the member representing Idemili North Constituency, Hon. Kingsley Udemezue, warned that failure to address the situation could create opportunities for criminal activities along the corridor, particularly during the forthcoming Yuletide.
Other lawmakers who supported the motion included Hon. Ejike Okechukwu (Anaocha II), Hon. Noble Igwe (Ogbaru I), Hon. Ikenna Ofodeme (Ekwusigo), Hon. Jude Akpua (Njikoka II), Hon. Anayo Okpalaeke (Aguata I), Hon. Golden Iloh (Ihiala II) and Hon. Emmanuel Nwafor (Orumba South).
They described the motion as timely and necessary, noting that the practice also resulted in revenue losses and created opportunities for the illegal collection of levies.
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