.....Vows to deal with corrupt officials
The sector commander of the FRSC in Anambra, Mr. Adeoye Irelepwuyi has hinted on the move to deploy surveillance cameras for effective patrol in the state. He made this known while addressing Newsmen at the command headquarters in Awka Anambra state.
He said when deployed the surveillance cameras will go a long way to protect their personnel and road users as well, as it will transmit real time to the command headquarters in Abuja.
In the same vein, the sector commander stated that the FRSC was set up as an agency against corruption and stated that the arms of the law will deal decisively with any of it's personnel found culpable.
Furthermore he said that in the past 7 months of his assumption of duty as the Sector Commander Anambra State, the Command had grappled with several challenges which hindered their operations.
However, during this period, he said that the Command collaborated with other agencies to conduct a successful and well acclaimed gubernatorial election in Anambra State.
"We thank God for the relative calm we are experiencing today.
From May 2021 to November 2021, the command arrested a total of 5503 offenders with 6687 offences (most prevalent offence being seat belt violation (SUV)). 3 offenders were prosecuted and jailed within the period."
Mr. Irelepwuyi however said that Anambra Sector Command also recorded a total of 110 Road Traffic Crashes with 27 of them fatal claiming a total number of 37 lives on Anambra roads within the 7 months period while 239 people were injured.
"The command is fully prepared to tackle emerging traffic challenges during the festive season. As we all know that Anambra State is the gateway to the East of the Country."
"Also, it is a commercial nerve centre in the region. Road networks and traffic management is very critical to the success of any commerce oriented region. People, goods and services must be moved from one point to another."
In addition, he stressed that the socio-cultural importance attached by the good people of Anambra State in particular to Christmas and New Year celebrations cannot be over emphasized.
"There is no gain saying therefore that traffic is expected to increase in the state by as high as 30%.
Some critical flashpoints have been identified." These are areas he identified as
i. Onitsha- Metro
ii. Onitsha- Owerri
iii. Ihiala
iv. Umunze
v. Awka metro
vi. Amansea
vii. Oye-agu junction/Abagana
viii. Nnobi junction
ix. Eke awka
Operational strategies in place include;
a. Palliative repairs on major failed portions/potholes
i. Awambia- Zone 13(Awka-Onitsha)
ii. Immigration junction
iii. Amansea
iv. Opposite Lagos park and Upper Iweka (Onitsha- Awka lane)
b. Early deployment of personeel
i. 4 man help areas in Onitsha
Freedom park by bridge head
Upper iweka
33/building materials
Metallurgical (Owerri road)
ii. One help area at Immigration junction
c. Route lining
Available logistics
i. 407 regular Marshals
ii. 600 special Marshals
He said Special focus will be accorded to, security concern for personnel and equipment and the need to synergize with all security agencies
While not forgetting that the command has extended its operational hours up till 2000hrs especially in urban areas to ensure free flow of traffic at night times.
"The security agencies will be on ground to provide protection for traffic managers during their operation.
The Anambra State government has assured FRSC of its full support in the effort to ensure free traffic flow."
"We appeal to all road users transiting the road network within Anambra State to maintain safe speed and obey all traffic rules and regulations. We also appeal for full cooperation with all traffic managers as they are there to ensure free and safe traffic."