Imo govt bans street trading, illegal parks on major roads

The Imo State Government has recently issued a ban on street trading, hawking, illegal roadside structures, and the unloading of goods along major roads in the state capital, Owerri. Specifically, the prohibited roads include Rotobi, Royce, and Douglas, all situated within the bustling urban core. This decision was announced in a joint press release by Franklin Nkem Nzewodo, the General Manager of the Owerri Capital Development Authority (OCDA), and Chinasa Nwaneri, the Governor's Special Adviser on Monitoring and Compliance.

The government's reasoning behind the ban is that trading activities on these major roads contribute to traffic congestion, which can lead to dangerous accidents.

The authorities have clarified that the designated markets for trading activities in Owerri Municipal are Eke Ukwu Owerri Market, Relief Market, Cluster International Market, and Egbeada International Market, emphasizing that the previously mentioned roads are not authorized trading locations. Furthermore, heavy-duty trucks, lorries, and other vehicles are forbidden from using these roads for loading, unloading, or offloading purposes.

The government has urged all traders, business operators, truck owners, drivers, and other affected individuals to relocate their operations to the approved markets, designated trading areas, and lawful loading points. Non-compliance with this directive could result in enforcement actions, such as arrests, prosecutions, fines, seizure of goods, and the removal or demolition of illegal structures.