RSG Re-Affirms Commitment To Improve Transport System

The Rivers State Commissioner for Transport, George Tolofari has reiterated that the primary objective of the state government’s transport sector reform programme is to build an integrated transport system that would meet the challenges of the ever growing economic activities in the state.

He made the assertion on Saturday during the closing ceremony of the Road Traffic Management Authority (TIMA-RIV) field officers training at Nonwa in Tai Local Government Area, Rivers State.

According to him, the Rivers State transportation reform is anchored on four fundamental arms: legal and regulatory frame work, infrastructural development, capacity building and public enlightenment.  He noted that the creation of  TIMA-RIV  fell under the legal and regulatory frame work.

Hon. Tolofari, while charging the management and field officers of TIMA-RIV to live up to their legitimate mandate by rendering efficient service to the people of the state, called on road users, the general public and the organised private sector to co-operate and support TIMA-RIV in their effort to make the road easier and safer to drive on.

In his address, the comptroller General, Rivers State Road Traffic Management Authority, Nelson Jaja said that in view of the fact that traffic management is a science and with an intent to build an institution of world class standard, the field officers had to undergo a capacity-building training for two weeks.

This, he said was aimed at preparing them mentally, physically and psychologically to enable them discharge their functions effectively and efficiently, as well as tackle the challenges that may arise in course of their service.

He said that TIMA-RIV wass poised to implement the provisions of the Rivers State Road  Traffic Law No. 6 of 2009, some of which  are the indiscriminate use of sirens, reckless driving, leaving of vehicles on the road for long hours thereby obstructing traffic and others.

Jaja, noted that the implementation approach would not be centered on punitive measures but would rather focus on winning the hearts and minds of motorists and road users towards need to cultivate proper road usage culture.

With regards to the movement of heavy duty vehicles and trucks on the road at times other than stipulated by the law, he said TIMA-RIV had initiated a series of engagement sessions with key stakeholders and had agreed on a suitable and well defined process that would enhance the smooth implementation and compliance to the law, considering the economic realities of the state.

The Comptroller-General advised the graduating field  officers to take their jobs seriously  and be guided by the dictates of their conscience and the provisions of the law in the discharge of the state assignment.