By Aniekeme Moses
The Member representing Mkpat Enin State Constituency, Engr. Otobong Ndem, has decried the reckless manner at which traders, who use road sides and junctions for their businesses, carry out their activities.
Engr. Ndem made his displeasure known Tuesday on the floor of the legislative chambers during a plenary session of the house.
Addressing the House, Engr. Ndem reported his observations on roadside trading with emphasis on Ibom Plaza, Ekom Iman Junction, Urua Akpan Andem and that of Ukam market in Mkpat Enin.
In his report, the lawmaker frowned at the reckless trading activities at the aforementioned spots which he said have gone beyond just roadside to the road median, particularly, that of Ekom Iman Junction.
He stressed the dangers and possible consequences of overlooking such development, adding “there is no guaranteed safety for everyone involved in this act, where there is a road situation and an accident occurs.”
The lawmaker said that markets have been constructed and located at accessible locations across the state; hence anyone who wants to trade should be doing so only within the walls of these places.
Engr. Ndem further prayed the house to draw the attention of the Akwa Ibom Road Maintenance Agencies, Ministries of Transport and Environment, as well as other relevant authorities to the development for the purpose of taking a diplomatic approach towards putting an end to this.
In his remarks, the Speaker of the House, Barrister Onofiok Luke, thanked Engr. Ndem for being sensitive to the safety of the people.
He wondered what would be the fate of these people in the case of an accident where a vehicle loses control and ends up in their direction.
The Speaker further called on all relevant authorities to act towards curbing this menace.
MKPAT ENIN LAWMAKER DECRIES RECKLESS ROADSIDE USE BY TRADERS
