The Honourable Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development Rt. Hon. Evans Bapakaye Bipi, DSSRS, JP has expressed deep concern and disappointment over rampant disregard and blatant violation of the Law prohibiting Street Trading, illegal Markets, Motor Parks, Mechanics, and other unauthorized activities in public spaces in the State.
The Commissioner observed that such unauthorized activities, including indiscriminate parking, unnecessary road obstructions, abandonment of broken down or accident vehicles, takeover of Bus Stops, Laybys, and other public utilities by individuals have become a serious public menace on our roads and streets especially in Port-Harcourt, Obio/Akpor, Ikwerre, Eleme and Oyigbo Local Government Areas.
Regrettably, these activities not only deface the State but also undermine the Urban Renewal Policy of the Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, GSSRS, aimed at restoring the Garden City status of the State.
To this end, all individuals and groups engaging in the aforementioned prohibited acts are hereby warned to desist forthwith, as the Ministry will commence stringent enforcement actions without further notice.
The Commissioner reaffirmed his commitment in taking drastic measures to restore order and sanity in public spaces in the State.
He warned that henceforth Government will enforce the extant Law prohibiting such unauthorized activities with utmost severity.
Rt. Hon. Evans Bipi said the Ministry has mandated its Special Taskforce to embark on comprehensive crackdown on all such unauthorized activities in the State.
The Commissioner announced that the Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development, in collaboration with the Ministry of Transport, will henceforth impound any broken-down or accident vehicle abandoned on the road beyond a specified time.
He said the measure aims to prevent traffic congestion and other hazards posed to road users.
The Commissioner further warned that tough time awaits touts and miscreants posing as officials of the Ministry to harass, intimidate, and extort unsuspecting members of the public, unless they refrain from such criminal acts.
Signed:
Emeka Idika Kalu,
Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to the Honourable Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development,
Tuesday 7th January, 2025.
