By Simeon OSAJIE
The Edo State government on Wednesday assured Edo people that the government remains committed to implementing policies and programmes that will ensure safety, security, efficiency, and orderliness within the transportation sector in the state.
This was disclosed by the State Commissioner for Transportation, Hon. Uwuilekhue Saturday Idehen while briefing journalists on the activities of the ministry since the inception of Senator Monday Okpebholo’s administration.
Hon. Idehen who called on transport operators, stakeholders, and members of the public to support these initiatives and comply with all transportation regulations for the overall development of the State noting that together, we can build a transportation system that will meet global standards and supports the economic aspirations of the state.
He said that since the inception of the Ministry, a number of strategic policies have been introduced and are currently being enforced across the State.
According to him, “The first is the ban on the use of unpainted commercial vehicles within Edo State. This policy was introduced to ensure uniformity, proper identification, and regulation of commercial transport operators.
“The Ministry has also commenced the profiling of commercial vehicles operating within the State. This exercise is aimed at creating a comprehensive database of commercial transport operators for planning, security, and regulatory purposes. As part of the exercise, security identification numbers will be issued and displayed on taxi roof signs and bus roof signs to enhance passenger safety and facilitate easy identification of operators.
“Commercial vehicle drivers are prohibited from unauthorized parking, loading, and discharging of passengers along major transport corridors and at locations not designated for such activities. This measure is intended to improve traffic flow and reduce congestion within the metropolis.”
Going further. the Commissioner stated that the loading and offloading of goods by heavy-duty vehicles along major roads and market corridors are prohibited between the hours of 7:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. daily. This restriction he stated applies to areas such as Forestry Road, Mission Road, Oba Market, Ekiosa Market, Ramat Park, Aduwawa Market, Oka Market, Uselu Market, and other major commercial corridors within the State.
“The restriction of motorcycles and tricycles to suburb areas and earth roads remains in force. Consequently, these two-wheel and three-wheel vehicles are prohibited from operating on city highways and other restricted roads within the metropolis,” he added.
He also said that the Ministry has also prohibited the abandonment of broken-down vehicles on public roads. Vehicle owners are expected to promptly remove such vehicles to prevent traffic obstruction and accidents.
“Similarly, mechanics and vehicle owners are prohibited from carrying out repairs on public roads. All repair works must be conducted within mechanic workshops and designated facilities.
“The use of public roads for burial ceremonies, marriage ceremonies, parties, and other social events that obstruct the free flow of traffic is also prohibited.
“The use of major roads and road shoulders as motor parks remains prohibited. Commercial transport operators are expected to operate only from approved motor parks and designated loading points.
“The Ministry has equally banned the practice of priority loading in motor parks across the State in order to promote fairness, orderliness, and efficiency within the transport sector,” he added
On the issue of the ongoing Public-Private Partnership (PPP) initiative in the state, Commissioner Idehen said that in line with the vision of His Excellency, Senator Monday Okpebholo, to modernize transportation infrastructure and services in Edo State, the Ministry is actively engaging private sector investors and development partners.
“The Ministry is currently engaging Fulfil Africa to partner with New Edo Line in the revitalization of Edo Courier Services through a Public-Private Partnership arrangement aimed at improving logistics and courier operations across the State.
The Ministry is also engaging Saggiton Investments Limited for the development of a modern parking facility in New Benin to address parking challenges, improve traffic management, and support commercial activities within the area.
He also disclosed that the Ministry is engaging other private investors to introduce Edo Ride, a modern ride-hailing and intra-city transportation service that will improve mobility, create employment opportunities, and provide residents with safe, reliable, and technology-driven transport services.