Olukayode Babalola
Engr. Mohammed Wada, Managing Director, Nasarawa Urban Development Board (NUDB) has cautioned motorists to avoid illegal parking along the busy Abuja-Keffi highway.
Wada gave the caution on Wednesday in Keffi local government area of the state while addressing newsmen during a joint task force operation aimed at evacuating road side traders and motorists who illegally parked their vehicles on the shoulders of the dual carriage highway.
Wada also warned traders against indiscriminate displaying of wares.
He said the joint operation comprising officers of NUDB, Nasarawa State state Waste Management and Sanitation Authority (NASWAMSA) and other relevant government and security agencies was geared towards preventing traffic gridlock on the highway especially at the Mararaban Gurku/Nyanya axis.
He added that the operation as aimed at safeguarding the health and well-being of residents of the state and to address the issue of flooding.
“I want the people of the state to always keep their environment clean by avoiding indiscriminate dumping of refuse in waterways, gutters, market places in the interest of their health and wellbeing,” he said.
According to Wada, indiscriminate parking by motorists ,displaying of wares on road shoulders, waste disposal and blockage of water drains had become worrisome, hence the operation.
He added that part of the exercise was also to ensure that traders who display their wares along the Keffi-Abuja Highway thereby obstructing traffic were relocated to designated markets in the area.
Wada expressed dismay over the attitude because according to him, the state government had provided traders an enabling environment for business at the Muhammadu Buhari International market in Karu local government area.
“I therefore charge all traders operating by the Keffi-Abuja Highway to relocate to the market as the task force will not spare any defaulter,” he added.
He further explained that the task force would prosecute defaulters to serve as a deterrent to others.
The NUDB managing Director stated that the operation is a continuous one so people should not attempt to come back after the enforcement team has left.
He warned that anyone caught in that habit would face the full wrath of the law.
Wada then commended Governor Abdullahi Sule for his development strides and his untiring support to his agency and urged residents of the state to accord his administration the desire support in its quest to provide dividends of democracy in all the nooks and crannies of the state. (NAN)