All street vendors in the state of Abia, particularly those along the recently repaired roadways in Aba and Umuahia, have been ordered by the government to remove their wares by July 1st, failing which they risk severe penalties.
On behalf of Commissioner Otumchere Oti, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Works, Izuchukwu Onwughara, released a statement on Thursday that included this information.
The government also took issue with those who threw trash into drainage systems and with mechanics who used sections of the highways as makeshift workshops.
The declaration states that anyone whose actions endanger the longevity of the roadways will face severe consequences.
The text of the statement says, “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.”
