PHALGA Begins Crackdown On Illegal Motor Parks

The Port Harcourt City Local Government Council says it is set to begin dismantling of all illegal motor parks operating in the area.
Supervisory Councilllor for Transport, Engr. Chimeka Nmerukini disclosed this, last Friday, after a meeting with authorities of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), Mile 111 branch.
In an interview with The Tide, Nmerukini said the council decided to move against illegal motor parks and street trading with the aim of decongesting the roads as well as tackle challenges of insecurity in the city.
He lamented that criminals had taken over some of the bus stops perpetuating all manner of crimes.
“Look at the bus stop at Mile 111 Park here; it has become a hide out for criminals who rape girls, snatch people’s bags and phones. That’s why we have decided to pull it down so as to dislodge the criminals”, he said.
He further revealed that notice has been served operators of private motor parks in the city on how to make their business areas free from criminals and maintain high sanitary standard.
According to him, notice had also been served those who turned public bus stops to illegal motor parks and shops to quit, while owners of vehicles abandoned on the streets and roads to remove them or face the wrath of the law.
Stating that stakeholders and interest groups such as the police, NURTW and the communities had been adequately consulted, the supervisor stressed that the move was for the interest of the people, and urged members of the public to co-operate with the council to make Port Harcourt City cleaner and safer.
“Our seven-day notice has since expired, moving to two weeks now. Those who have turned public bus stops to mechanic workshops, trading shops, illegal motor parks as well as owners of abandoned vehicles on streets and roads should remove them.
“From now on, the council shall commence action and those who flout the order will face the music. We call on all involved to co-operate”, he said.
The Deputy Chairman, NURTW, Mile 111 Park, Glory Nnokam, assured the council of the readiness of the union to give full support to the plan so as to decongest the roads and make the city safer.
Nnokam maintained that the union was happy with the plan of the council, adding that the Mile 111 Motor Park was large enough to accommodate those loading outside the park.

Chris Olouh