Anambra Traffic Management Agency finds ways to decongest traffic gridlock in Awka, the State capital

THE Anambra Traffic Management Agency, ATMA, in collaboration with other traffic agencies in Anambra have moved in to decongest traffic gridlocks on virtually all major roads in Awka, and environs.

This is to ensure free flow of traffic at all major areas of the state, including important towns in the state like Onitsha, Nnewi and Ekwulobia.

Some of the major spots in the state capital that experience traffic hiccups include, Eke Awka Market axis on the Zik Avenue, Aroma Junction, Kwata and Amawbia Junctions as well as the Anambra State Government Lodge.

In the past, traffic build-ups hamper free flow of traffic, such that people waste man-hour sitting in traffic.

Arinze Olisa, Zonal Commander of ATMA, said following an executive directive from Governor Willie Obiano to the agency, “we have resolved to ensure that directive is carried out to the letter, without fear or favour.

“If you notice, traffic on the once choked Eke Awka Road now flows freely; a drive through Aroma Junction also shows free flow of traffic too.

“This is how it ought to be and we hope to keep it that way. It is an order from the governor and we are obliged to support this administration.

“It’s not an easy task displacing people from places that they have occupied illegally as their sales outposts,’’ he said.

According to him the exercise will be a continuous one and not the haphazard approach as has been the case in the past.

He, however, appealed to government to provide them with some working aid to help them in the discharge of their duties as well road users to strictly adhere to traffic rules and regulation.

“We want government to restore the traffic lights at Eke Awka axis. We also want our operational vehicle, `black Maria’ to start functioning again, so that we use it to move arrested offenders.

“We urge agencies involved in providing for signage like road furniture — “No Packing’’, “No Hawking’’, “No stopping’’, “Pick and drop’’ – that will help motorists to know where to pack and where not to stop,’’ the commander said.

A motorist, who identified as Chijioke Odinaka expressed satisfaction at the operation.

He recalled how difficult it had been driving through Eke Awka in the immediate past but with the current development, it would be smooth drive all the way.

He, then, enjoined all the agencies not to relent in their duties as it was the right way to go.

Nwankwo, a civil servant, lamented the ordeal that she and her colleagues go through commuting daily to and fro work.

“It was a hell driving home through Eke Awka on a typical day. This is a welcome development.

“Before the Intervention ATMA, we waste more than two hours, in making journeys that ordinarily will take 20 minutes.

“Going to work and back is now stress-free and we thank the governor for this. It is a welcome development,’’ she said.

A pedestrian, Chijioke Mmadu, who also was interviewed, thanked the government for coming up with such an exercise.

“Now the road side traders who occupy a full lane of the road have been cleared off the road, shopping in Eke – Awka market has become easier, unlike in the past when we have to fight our way through a huge gathering of persons to get into the market,’’ Chijioke added.

“We just hope this will be sustained,’’ everybody seemed to be saying.

However, Nnedi Adaugo, a trader decried activities of ATMA claiming they were been unjustifiably displaced from where they earn their living.

She, then, pleaded with the government to provide them with alternative location, so they could continue to make their living as most of them were bread winners of their families.

– Feb. 8, 2018 @ 16:45 GMT |