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The Traffic NG

Imo

The Imo State Government has banned street trading, hawking, illegal roadside structures and the loading and offloading of goods along major roads in Owerri, the state capital.

The affected roads include Rotobi, Royce and Douglas, which are located within the central areas of the city.

The directive was contained in a joint statement issued by the General Manager of the Owerri Capital Development Authority (OCDA), Franklin Nkem Nzewodo, and the Special Adviser to the Governor on Monitoring and Compliance, Chinasa Nwaneri.

The officials said the ban was necessary to address traffic obstruction and improve safety along the affected routes.

According to them, trading activities and the indiscriminate use of roads for loading and offloading have contributed to traffic congestion and, in some cases, accidents.

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The government clarified that traders operating within Owerri Municipal are expected to use approved markets and designated trading locations.

It listed Eke Ukwu Owerri Market, Relief Market, Cluster International Market and Egbeada International Market as designated markets within the municipal area.

The officials stressed that Rotobi, Royce and Douglas roads are not approved locations for trading activities.

The directive also prohibits heavy-duty trucks, lorries and other vehicles from using the affected roads as loading, unloading or offloading points.

“Traders, business operators, truck owners, drivers, and other affected persons have been directed to relocate their activities to approved markets, designated trading areas, and lawful loading points,” the government said.

The state government warned that persons who continue to violate the directive would face enforcement measures.

Such measures, according to the statement, may include arrest, prosecution, fines and confiscation of goods or vehicles involved in the violations.

The government also warned that illegal structures erected along the affected roads could be removed or demolished as part of the enforcement exercise.

The latest directive is part of the state government’s efforts to improve traffic flow and regulate commercial activities within Owerri.

Authorities are expected to intensify monitoring of the affected roads to ensure compliance by traders, transport operators, business owners and other road users.

The government urged those currently conducting business or loading goods along the restricted routes to move their activities to approved locations to avoid sanctions.

It further appealed to residents and business operators to comply with the directive, saying the restrictions were intended to promote orderly commercial activities, reduce traffic congestion and improve safety within the state capital.