The Ebonyi State House of Assembly has issued a 24-hour ultimatum to operators of unauthorized motor parks in Abakaliki, instructing them to halt their activities or face legal action.
This directive, conveyed by the Assembly’s Public Relations Officer, Sylvester Egede, followed a meeting between the Ebonyi State House of Assembly Committee on Works and Transport, led by Deacon Joseph Ununu, and the managers of various motor parks on Tuesday.
The statement detailed that these unapproved motor parks span several key locations in Abakaliki, stretching from Vanco Junction to Presco and Onuebonyi Junction within the state capital.
Egede stated, “All the transport operators doing their business at the illegal spots like Vanco Junction, Spera ‘N’ Deo, Presco Junction, and Onuebonyi Junction, among others, have been directed to put a stop to it within 24 hours or be ready to face the full wrath of the law.”
The committee stressed that these unregulated loading zones undermine the city’s aesthetic appeal and reduce the state’s Internally Generated Revenue.
To ensure compliance, the Assembly has ordered all mass transit operators to submit proof of IGR payment to the committee clerk by Friday, November 15.
The committee, chaired by Ununu, also mandated that transit companies cease street-side pick-up and drop-off activities, requiring them to operate solely from the motor parks designated by the Ebonyi State government. This measure aims to improve traffic flow and ensure that the transport services are more organized.
Additionally, the committee voiced concerns over inadequate facilities at these transport companies, which could compromise passenger comfort and safety.
“Conclusively, the committee observed that the transport companies have no standard toilet facilities, firefighting equipment, or waiting hall, which are inimical to the comfortability of the passengers,” Ununu stated.
He further directed operators to install concrete flooring at their premises and submit all documents proving their registration as mass transit operators to the committee clerk.
Supporting the committee’s decision, Vice Chairman and Afikpo North East Constituency representative, Hon. Ukie Ezeali, clarified that the initiative was not intended to target any individual or business specifically. He reassured operators that the government would fully support them as long as they adhered to state regulations.
In response, the Operational Manager of Ebonyi State Transport Service, Mr. Innocent Obiahu, thanked the committee for their engagement. He also appealed for repairs to the entrance of the central park, emphasizing the importance of improved accessibility for the convenience of operators and passengers alike.
