Delta synergizes with tank farm owners on measures to decongest traffic

Delta state government has initiated measures at a meeting with Tank Farm Owners in Warri South Local Government Area, on how to maintain and decongest unbearable traffic caused by heavy-duty trucks plying the NPA Expressway, Shagwolo, Ubeji and Ode Itsekiri axis in the state.

The State commissioner for works Chief James Augoye and his counterpart in the Ministry of Transport Mr. Vincent Uduaghan said the meeting became a necessity following the recent fire outbreak that destroyed properties worth millions of naira at the Shagwolo/Ubeji road axis.

They said the safety of the residents of the Local Government Area is paramount and gave the Farm Tank Owners a two week ultimatum to get more fire service trucks and put a task force in place to monitor the activities of the truck drivers outside their loading stations to forestall them from trading and spilling diesel on the road.

The Works and Transport commissioners instructed the Tank Farmers to get their own tankers parks and desist from parking on the roads and bridges.

Chief Augoye and Mr Uduaghan also enjoined them to use a maximum of 40 tons capacity trunks instead of the sixty tons capacity trucks stressing that these activities has led to the detrimental state of bridge number six on the Trans Warri/Ode Itsekiri road.
The commissioners informed them that plans were already underway to introduce the toll gate system on the road as seen in other cities to generate revenue for the maintenance of the road after delivery by the contractor handling the project.

An agreement was also reached on splitting the cost of maintaining the roads among the tank farmers as well as ensuring that the truck drivers adhere to the one way in and out through the Obodo Avenue.

Some of the tank farmers who spoke commended the state government for providing them a condusive environment to carry out their business and promised to play their role in the development and protection of infrastructures as well as ensuring the safety of residents in the area.