The Delta State House of Assembly has directed the State Ministry of Transport and the Delta State Traffic Management Agency, DESTMA to proactively rise up to the challenge of the growing vehicular gridlocks in some parts of the state.
The directive followed the adoption of a motion raised under matters of urgent public importance by the Member representing Ughelli South Constituency in the House, Hon Reuben Izeze.
The sponsor of the motion, Hon Reuben Izeze at Wednesday’s plenary presided over by the Speaker, Rt Hon Sheriff Oborevwori, said he is worried by the growing vehicular gridlocks in some parts of the State.
He noted that the motion had become necessary as part of deliberate measures at ensuring that Deltans, as well as visitors to the state have a hitch-free and pleasurable Christmas celebration.
Hon Izeze explained that the motion was imperative at this particular yuletide season in order to mitigate the untold hardship and loss of economic man hours occasioned by the gridlocks.
The Lawmaker stressed that the ugly narratives were already being experienced in some of the cities in the State, listing the worst hit areas to include; Asaba, Ughelli, Warri, Efurrun, Udu and Agbor.
He therefore emphasized the need for the House to as a matter of urgent public importance direct the Commissioner in charge of Transport and the Director General, Delta State Traffic Management Agency to immediately initiate proactive measures that would ensure free flow of vehicular traffic in the above named cities and all other major cities across the state during the yuletide season.
Some other Lawmakers, including the member representing Uvwie, Hon Solomon Ighrakpata, Burutu one, Asupa Foteta, Ika North East, Anthony Elekeokwuri, Aniocha South, Austin Chikeze, Aniocha North, Emeka Nwaobi, and Udu, Peter Uviejitobor, described the motion as apt and timely.
They stressed that the directive would encourage agencies in charge of traffic management in the state to be more effective in addressing the increasing challenge of vehicular gridlocks in the State.
Meanwhile, the Delta State Forfeiture of Property Bill 2021 and the Delta State Manufacture and use of Deep Canoes (Cotonou Boats) Bill 2021, has passed first readings on the floor of the State House of Assembly.
Motions for the first reading of both Bills were moved by the Majority leader, Ferguson Onwo an adopted during plenary of the House.
Both bills were forwarded to the State legislature on Tuesday, December 14, 2021 by the State Governor, Dr Ifeanyi Okowa for legislative actions.
Second reading of both Bills have been scheduled for 18 and 25 January 2022.
The House adjourned to Tuesday, 18 January 2022 for Christmas and new year break.
Before the adjournment, the Speaker, Rt Hon Sheriff Oborevwori commended members for their commitment to duty all through the year, saying that their efforts had made the Delta Assembly to remain the most vibrant House in the country.
The Speaker felicitated with Deltans on the Yuletide celebrations.