By Karen James
Onitsha, In a decisive move to tackle the growing traffic congestion in Onitsha, Chuzzy Okoli, Onitsha Commander of the Anambra State Traffic Management Agency (ARTMA) Onitsha, led a successful decongestion exercise involving multiple enforcement teams, including the Ocha Brigade, Sasa, AVG, and ARTMA personnel. The operation, which focused on notorious traffic hotspots, ensured that all motorists adhered to parking regulations, significantly easing gridlock in key areas.
The exercise, which covered critical locations such as Upper Iweka, Ogbaru Main Market Axis, Egaten, and other surrounding areas, marked a significant victory in the ongoing effort to restore order to Onitsha’s roads.
Upper Iweka: As a major transportation hub, Upper Iweka has long been plagued by indiscriminate parking and chaotic vehicle movements. Enforcement teams successfully directed all vehicles into designated parks, clearing the expressway for smoother traffic flow.
Ogbaru Main Market Axis: Known for its bustling market activities, this area often faces gridlock due to vehicles loading and offloading passengers and goods on narrow streets. The operation restored order by directing motorists to proper parking zones.
Egaten and Environs: Similar congestion challenges were addressed in this area, where illegal parking had made navigation difficult for road users.
Chuzzy Okoli commended the collaborative efforts of the enforcement agencies, stating, “The operation was a successful one, and indeed we will get it better in Onitsha. We have shown that with coordinated efforts, we can clear the roads and make life easier for everyone.”
Motorists and business operators praised the exercise for reducing travel time and improving road access. The decongestion also positively impacted commercial activities, allowing for smoother transportation of goods in and out of market areas.
Despite the success of the operation, traffic congestion remains a recurring issue in Onitsha due to indiscriminate parking, lack of designated loading zones, and high population density in commercial areas.
To sustain the gains of this exercise, ARTMA and other stakeholders plan to implement the following measures:
Strict Enforcement of Traffic Regulations: Continued deployment of traffic officers to monitor and manage vehicle movements.
Designated Loading Zones: Establishing proper areas for buses and tricycles to load and offload passengers.
Public Awareness Campaigns: Educating motorists and residents on the importance of obeying traffic laws.
The successful decongestion exercise signals a renewed commitment by Onitsha authorities to address traffic challenges and improve the city’s road network. With sustained enforcement and public cooperation, residents are optimistic that the traffic situation in Onitsha will continue to improve.
Traffic Decongestion Exercise Brings Relief to Onitsha Roads
