Motorists Task Union On Roads Repair

The National Union of
Road Transport Workers (NURTW) has been urged to assist government fix the deplorable roads in Rivers State.
A cross-section of the motoring public who spoke to The Tide in an interview in Port Harcourt yesterday, said the extortion by members of the NURTW were enough for them to assist the government as partners in the road traffic transport business of the economy.
According to them, the daily payments made to this union are enough to fix some roads that are in a deplorable condition in the state, but wondered what role they played to the welfare of the road users.
They said the NURTW should not only think of how to enrich themselves but should also think of the welfare and safety of the motoring public from whom they collect money daily.
Godwin Nwosu, a taxi driver said, “Government should ensure that the NURTW paid their dues to them and not to pocket all monies deducted from them as tax, and other levies.
“Let them account to the government and assist in road maintenance,” Nwosu insisted.
Another driver, Bassey Monday also lamented the extortion, saying that NURTW should be made to pay part of the money they collect from drivers to repair some major roads that  are impassable and are death traps.
A company driver Emeka Chinonso, also has this to say: “Let NURTW fix some of the bad roads in Port Harcourt because what they collect from motorists as one form of levy or tax is outstragious. Let them help government and carry out minor repairs to enable motorists use the roads.
A commercial taxi driver Cyril Mform, also called on NURTW to join hands with government.
He also called on the union to check the infiltration of hoodlums who parade themselves as members of the National Union of Road Transport Workers in Rivers State.

Collins Barasimeye