Remedial Measure On Resilient Rumuokoro Gridlock

June 30, 2014, Port
Harcourt residents were greeted with what could best be described as one of the most expected and welcome news of our time. The news headline; “RSG Awards Two New Road Contracts,” explained that the Rivers State Government has awarded two more road/bridge construction contracts. The contracts included Rumuokoro/Rumuagholu road and a flyover along the on-going Igwuruta/Eneka/Rumuokwurushi road.
The then state Commissioner for Works, Hon Victor Giadom, had disclosed to newsmen that a new flyover bridge would be constructed on the East-West road at ‘Tank’ Junction in addition to the one proposed for Rumuokoro junction.
The already distressed Road users’ salivation increased when the commissioner said that the “contractor handling Rumuokoro/Rumuagholu road had already marked buildings which fall within the right of way for demolition.” It heightened as he assured them that all that was being awaited, was the release of the compensation money to property owners by the state government and the construction work would begin in earnest.
Amazing still was his display of certainty that the work would be completed before the expiration of that administration.
It may interest you to hear that all such bogus talk passed away with the commissioner and his administration, leaving Port Harcourt residents and road users ever decrying the horrible traffic situation in Rumuokoro, which has always stalled their efforts at meeting targets as hold up lasts for hours in some instances irrespective of the time of the day.
Amidst road junctions which are urgently crying for bridges due to their reputation as source of torments to drivers and commuters such as GRA, Waterlines, First and Second Artillery, Rumuokwuta etc, Rumuokoro is one which gridlock can frustrate road users. It is, therefore, no doubt that erecting flyover bridges will usher in such refreshing traffic decongestion that would spread joy on many faces and lengthen many lives being abridged by perennial, excruciating tensions.
However while it remains obvious that we can tame or completely eliminate this monster, the writer is of the opinion that in the interim, mere observance of decorum on the road can assist in no mean measure in easing off the traffic trauma.
Sometime last year, the writer wrote in this column, a “thank you” message to an unknown female police officer. The essence of the appreciation was because she proved to critics that having a traffic-free Rumuokoro is possible.
For a period of one week, this unidentified police officer devoted her time to ensuring that traffic at this place flowed steadily uninterrupted and road users were happy about it.
Unfortunately, the disappearance of this lady from the Rumuokoro junction, recalled a situation that seemed to have been forgotten, the usual traffic congestion that characterise Rumuokoro persisted.
However, about few days before schools proceeded on holidays, a replay of the hardiwork of the unknown female police officer was noticed. This time, I guess it was the mastermind of the Rivers State government as signs of the presence of the road safety personnel were observed within closed meters to the roundabout.
Again, it was another sweet and welcome experience to road users who thought that the messiah had come at last, only to discover that it was yet another mirage, a traffic-free Rumuokoro is to say the least, very far from being close.
What baffles me is the fact that each time a traffic-free experiment is carried out, a positive result is usually observed, meaning that It is possible to have a traffic-free experience in Rumuokoro yet its sustenance had always being a problem. Is it to say that while some people go for thanksgiving each time a positive result is observed others are bitter? Are there some people who feed fat under a congested traffic atmosphere in Rumuokoro?
If the transporter and vendors who occupy the areas very close to the roundabout at the four cardinal roads are chased farther than where they are used to staying and the traffic flowed freely, is it not enough indication that the presence of these transporters and vendors close to the round about is the reason for the congestion? Why will any sane mind still allow this menace to thrive?
It has therefore, become pertinent for me to use this medium to officially draw the attention of the state government under the able leadership of Chief Nyesom Wike and all the agencies and authorities in charge of safety and transportation matters in the state categorically that a traffic-free Rumuokoro is perfectly possible.
It has been tested, proven and it worked out in all the times experienced. All that is needed is to permanently cordon off the areas very close to the roundabout and the drivers are good to go.
With a little sense of discipline, we can save ourselves the agony of un pleasant traffic jam while we wait for a final solution to a resilient Rumuokoro gridlock.
 

Sylvia ThankGod