A Port Harcourt-based
human rights lawyer Mr Higher King, has spoken against the practice whereby constructing firms do not unannounced the closure of major roads in Port Harcourt and its environs when they carry out work.
King who barred his mind on the issue while speaking to newsmen recently in Port Harcourt however, acknowledged the various construction works going on in and around the city of Port Harcourt.
He advised that before roads are closed for construction, motorists and the general public needed to be informed in advance and alternative routes provided.
Investigations by The Tide indicate that the ongoing construction at the Obiri Ikwerre flyover on the East West Road has caused heavy traffic around the area.
The Tide further reports that for now, one lane has been closed to traffic without properly informing members of the public.
Also, there is nothing to show in terms of road sign to indicate that there is construction going on in the area in order to redirect users of the road.
According to King, ordinarily, a date should be given to members of the public to avail them of such eventualities to enable them adjust and plan on alternative routes to take.
He said the practice whereby motorists and other road users were taken unawares was unacceptable in modern times. “They do not do that, so it is condemnable, it is abuse of power and human rights”, he said.
He explained that in a developing or developed society “you do not wake up one day and just close the road”.
According to King, the unexpected grid lock that motorists face at such points leads to waste of man hours that was capable of negatively affecting the economy of the people.
“We are happy with the ongoing construction but when it negatively affects the life of the people using the road, then it is unacceptable”, he said.