Agency Has Sanitised Benin Roads-Official

The Head of Operations ,
Edo State Traffic Management Agency (ESTMA), Mr Amadin Owas, said in Benin on Monday that the agency had sanitised traffic on roads in the state, especially in Benin.
Owas who made the remark in an interview with newsmen last Monday in Benin said it is false and baseless, allegations that the  Agency was established as a government tool for revenue generation, instead of traffic control.
Owas said that since its establishment, the Agency had been complementing the efforts of other government traffic agencies in ensuring that sanity prevailed on roads in the state capital.
“Edo people will agree that Benin roads, especially during rush hours, either in the mornings or in the evenings, are always chaotic.
“But, they can also now attest to the fact that ESTMA has brought a lot of sanity to our roads.
Owas also denied allegations that the agency was more concerned with apprehending unsuspecting motorists and getting them to pay fines.
“People are not quick to respond to change.
“Those making the allegations are those who are not ready to come out of their old ways of doing things.
“They will, for example, complain when accosted for parking in a prohibited area.
“Rather than strive to do the right thing, they see ESTMA officials as enemies, generating revenue for government,’’ he said.
Owas, however, admitted that there were ‘bad eggs’’ among the Agency’s officials, saying that “the ESTMA management at a time sacked 54 of its staff, for various offences.
“In all, we have dismissed about 90 of our staff for offences ranging from extortion, dereliction of duty, insubordination and impersonation.
“We are using this medium to warn motorists to look out for impostors and to be mindful of persons, especially those not on uniform, who pose as ESTMA officials.
“As I speak with you, one of the apprehended suspects has been remanded in custody by a Benin Magistrate’s Court for allegedly personating as an ESTMA official.
“ There is a standing order that all ESTMA officials must at all times, while on duty, wear their uniforms and must be civil in their conduct and language, while dealing with suspected traffic offenders.
“We have a monitoring and disciplinary unit that ensures that complaints are dealt with on their merit,’’ Owas added.