Abia government orders street traders to vacate or face severe penalties

• The government also condemned those dumping refuse into drainage systems and the activities of mechanics using parts of the roads as their workshops
  

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The Abia State Government has ordered all street traders, especially those on the newly reconstructed roads in Aba and Umuahia, to vacate the streets by July 1st or face severe penalties.

This directive was announced on Thursday in a statement by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Works, Izuchukwu Onwughara, on behalf of the Commissioner, Otumchere Oti.

The government also condemned those dumping refuse into drainage systems and the activities of mechanics using parts of the roads as their workshops.

The statement warned that heavy sanctions would be imposed on anyone whose actions threaten the lifespan of the roads.

The statement reads, “Government is by this announcement reminding the general public that transacting business on the newly constructed and reconstruction roads in the state, and other unwholesome activities like dumping of refuse into the drainage, channelling of borehole and sewage water to the asphalted roads, and mechanics repairing vehicles along the roads are prohibited.

“Such activities will no longer be tolerated as they are detrimental to the life span of the roads.

“Consequently, the government is warning the defaulters to stop forthwith and those who display their wares on the asphalted pavement, particularly at Owerri Road in Umuahia, Kenth Road, Jubilee Road, Ngwa Road, Port Harcourt Road, Obioha Road, and Enugu Port Harcourt Expressway by Ariaria Market Junction all in Aba, to vacate the roads within seven days of this announcement or be prepared to dance the rhythm of the long arms of law.”