Anambra state government has warned that it will this week, commence total closure of parks and interception of transporters that flout the COVID-19 preventive guidelines in line with Anambra state COVID-19 Law.
The state Commissioner for Transport, Mr Afam Mbabefo, disclosed this during a meeting with Heads of motor parks and transport unions in the state in Awka.
The meeting was to brief the park managers and transport union leaders on the guidelines for the enforcement of the law and to also ascertain the readiness of the stakeholders to ensure the success of the directives.
The transportation stakeholders in Anambra state who were present in the meeting included leaders of commercial tricycle and motorcycle riders, Urban Drivers’ Welfare Association of Anambra state, UDWAAS, Vehicle Inspection Office, VIO, Traffic Management Agency, ATMA, Transport Company of Anambra State, TRACAS, among others.
Addressing the park managers and transport union leaders, Mbanefo noted that it was important that they comply with the directives, to help the government to achieve meaningful results in the fight against the pandemic.
He noted that the Monitoring and Enforcement Team would include a mobile court to try those who go against the law, and urged the park managers and leaders of the various transport unions in Anambra state to educate their members on the directives and the punishments for defaults.
“The newly-set up COVID-19 Monitoring and Enforcement Team Task Force will this week, commence this enforcement. We must comply with these directives as contained in the state COVID-19Law. These directives are for the benefit of our people and will ensure that our state stays safe from this virus,” the Commissioner noted.
In their responses, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of ATMA, Mr. Pat Obiefuna and the General Supervisor of V.I.O in Anambra state, Mr. Ralph Okoye, said that the enforcement of the directives demands the efforts of all stakeholders if the goal of the policy was to be successful.
The General Manager of TRACAS, Dr Ifeoma Madukasi, raised a point for the provision of infrared thermometers at all organized parks in Anambra state so that passengers’ temperatures could be checked before boarding commercial vehicles.
In their separate views, the Chairman of Tricycle Riders’ Association in Anambra state, Mr. Sylvester Obiora and that of commercial motorcycle riders, Chief Afamefuna Okeke, assured that the members of their associations would comply fully to the directives.
The Monitoring and Enforcement Team would also clear commercial vehicles and others loading at unapproved bus tops.
