ARTMA BEGINS ENFORCEMENT TO DECONGEST EKE-AWKA ROADS.(PHOTOS).

ARTMA Begins Enforcement To Decongest Eke-Awka Roads

A joint enforcement team led by the Anambra State Road Traffic Management Agency, ARTMA, has begun decongestion operations to free up traffic on major roads around the Eke Awka Market. 

The enforcement team led by the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of ARTMA, Engineer Emeka Okonkwo, had spent hours dissecting the traffic situation around the area, while pushing back traders whose wares exceeded the approved metre, and informing  motorists that pulling up on certain marked sections of the roads attracts huge fines.

For so many years now, Eke-Awka Market had become notorious for constant gridlocks necessitated by traders who close up on the roads with their goods and motorists who either do their businesses on the roads or are packed entirely there.

Certain measures had been initiated by previous traffic regulatory agencies and governments to checkmate the ugly tale, but while some measures had temporary effects, others proved totally abortive.

Part of the present ARTMA strategies to nail the traffic problems at Eke-Awka Market include a stipulation that mandates all vehicles to pull up on or do any business at designated and makeshift parks, including Saint Mary's Catholic Church, Saint Faith park or Civic Centre around the market.

The new rule also says that henceforth all vehicles coming down to Eke-Awka are restricted not to park or pick up passengers (for commercial vehicles) immediately after EEDC office down to Ogbugbankwa axis and other subordinate roads in the market.

There are also signs to mark restricted areas and warn vehicle users.

The operation is carried out in partnership with the Anambra Joint Enforcement Team, ANJET, headed by the Special Adviser to Governor Chukwuma Soludo on Security, Retired Air Vice Marshal Ben Chiobi.

In an interview shortly after overseeing traffic situations at the area, the ARTMA MD/CEO, Engineer Okonkwo said the aim is to solve recurring traffic issues at Eke-Awka Market permanently, following up on Governor Soludo's directive that all Anambra roads be rid of traffic congestion.

The ARTMA boss noted that the agency is not going back on the directive and is determined to achieve the best results within the shortest possible period, warning that anyone that flouts the traffic laws would have to contend with the backlash.

The ANJET team leader for the operation, Mr Chukwuebuka Onwuemene said the collaboration with ARTMA will bear massive results, emphasizing that the no stone would be left unturned in restoring traffic ease at the market and other important areas in Anambra State.

More photos below.