By Anastasia Agunwa
The Anambra State House of Assembly has called on the State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo to direct the Commissioner for Transport to urgently complete installation of pedestrian signals across completed road intersections in the State.
The House resolution was sequel to a motion sponsored by the member representing Orumba South constituency, Hon. Emmanuel Nwafor and seconded by Hon. Bernard Udemezue representing Ayamelum constituency during plenary on June 10.
The Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Somtochukwu Udeze, who presided over the plenary had moved for the adoption of the motion while the lawmakers unanimously adopted it through voice votes.
Speaking on the importance of the motion, Hon. Emmanuel Nwafor expressed worry that without the introduction of traffic lights and pedestrian signals, collisions of vehicles and human would always occur, which eventually lead to death or loss of property.
According to Hon. Nwafor, whereas pedestrian signals were introduced to control traffic both for pedestrians and vehicles at road intersections for free flow of traffic and safety of road users.
“Aware that Mr. Governor has installed some traffic lights at some strategic points and road intersections across the state albeit, not fully completed as the necessary pedestrian signals have not been installed.
“Further aware that Mr. Governor is still constructing roads at all nooks and crannies of the State which will need the full compliments of the traffic lights and pedestrian signals”, he stressed.
Hon. Nwafor, however, expressed optimism that the installation of pedestrian signals would not only help in traffic control management but also make the job of traffic control and law enforcement officers easy.
The lawmakers that spoke in support of the motion are Hon. Noble Igwe representing Ogbaru 1 constituency, Hon. Jude Akpua representing Njikoka II constituency, Hon. Golden Iloh representing Ihiala II, Hon. Obi Nweke representing Anambra East, Hon. Tony Muobuike representing Aguata II, Hon. Henry Mbachu representing Awka South 1, Hon. Kingsley Udemezue representing Idemili South and the Majority leader, Hon. Ikenna Ofodeme.
The legislators described the motion as apt, saying “Since we are in the season of road revolution, such signals will help human beings to know when to cross the road thereby saving life and traffic confusion in the state”.
They further called for thorough sensitisation of public on the road signals, adding that full installation of traffic lights including pedestrian signs would enable the public including motorists and commutters to know when to cross the road safely.
Anastasia is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State
