Kunle ADELABU
-Ikorodu residents call for sustenance of exercise
Aside the terrible state of the road, indiscriminate parking of heavy duty trucks by Dangote and NPA drivers causing serious traffic and posing danger to motorists
After many months of public outcry against the menace of the drivers of the Dangote heavy duty trailers and the Nigeria Port Authority trucks that have been parking indiscriminately along Sekumade/Dangote roundabout at Ebute, Ipakodo in Ikorodu West Local Council Development Area (LCDA), officials of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) Headquarters have started clearing trucks that are unlawfully parked in the area .
THE IMPACT gathered that an enforcement team from the LASTMA Headquarters on Friday, June 7, 2019, cleared the area and towed away two trucks that were illegally parked.
The governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, on his first day in office, declared a state of emergency on the environment as he signed the first executive order on refuse management, traffic management and public works.
Residents have on several occasions called the attention of the government to the menace of the truck drivers and the threat they pose to road users.
The attention of the government has also been called to terrible state of the Sekumade road.
We gathered that the enforcement team was led by one officer Adegbayi Onabanjo, Head of the Enforcement Unit, LASTMA Headquarters, Oshodi.
Speaking with officer Onabanjo in a brief interview, he stated that he has received several complaints about the indiscriminate parking of trucks along Sekumade /Dangote road and the traffic threats it poses to road users.
“The situation of things in that part of Ikorodu is not too good for our image. People have complained several times about these trucks gradually turning the axis to another Apapa.
“Being the head of the Enforcement Unit at the headquarters in Oshodi, I sought for the approval from the General Manager of the agency to visit the place to tow away the trucks that are parking against the traffic regulations.
“Early in the morning of that day, while driving to the office, I deliberately passed through the place and I counted like 9 trucks all over the road and the roundabout but on getting there for the operation, we met only two trucks on ground and they were towed away”.
THE IMPACT gathered that referral slips were issued to the truck drivers, asking them to appear before a Magistrate that will hear their cases and rule appropriately.
The LASTMA Officer stated that he hope that the exercise would serve as deterrent to other drivers parking illegally in the axis.
“It is our belief that despite the fact that only two trucks were impounded, others who might want to park there would have gotten the signals that there is now a zero tolerance for illegal parking on that road”, he stated.
He assured our reporter that the operation will be a continuous exercise.
“Please, note that the operation was not just a flash, it will be a continuous exercise until they comply with the laws”, he stated firmly.
Meanwhile, many residents that spoke on the development on the Ikorodu Ambassadors Group Facebook page commended the actions and called for its sustenance before the heavy duty and articulated vehicles turn the area to another Apapa.
Princess Oluwakemi Olasunkanmi Ladega, speaking on the development, stated :
“Well done. Thank you and let it continue like that. They are already turning the area into another Apapa with crazy traffic on that road”.
Comrade Oloyede Aladepupo, who expressed his disbelief over the development, stated:
“Seriously? This is interesting”.
Ademuyiwa Tajudeen Bamimosu, also contributing, stated:
“Nice one, bold step”.
Mr Olorunniyi Ojo Joseph, while commending the development, also called the LASTMA attention to Shagamu road in Ikorodu where heavy duty trucks are also parking illegally.
“Not only that route, the same thing is happening presently at Ikorodu-Shagamu road which is currently under construction. The affected areas are Total, Fish farm, Odogunyan and VIO office”.
Prince Adeyemo John Oyedele stated:
“Great job you have done . More support for our dear Ikoodu will continually be appreciated…”.
Apanisile Olatunji, who also commended the LASTMA effort, claimed that his friend had fell victim of the LASTMA operations.
“A friend of mine who parked his car to receive phone call fell victim. His car is still in your custody. Very unfortunate for the innocent guy but we need more sanity on Ikorodu roads”.
