In an effort to combat incessant destruction of government’s properties by reckless road users, the Ondo State government through its Ministry of Transport on Wednesday August 14, organised a stakeholders meeting in Akure to achieve it.
Addressing the gathering, the Special Adviser to the State Governor on Transportation, Akogun (Dr) Olugbenga Omole informed that the essence of having road furniture installed on roads does not only serve as means of guide for driving/riding on the road but to also beautify it.
He however noted that the rate at which these road furniture and other government facilities are being destroyed across the State by major road users either deliberately or as a result of negligence without making provision for the repairs/replacement of these damaged facilities caused by their action is worrisome and call for immediate attention.
According to Omole, the inflicted on roads and public infrastructure is not only costly to repair, but also jeopardizes the safety and well-being of every citizen which requires a collective effort and a shared commitment to responsible citizenship.
He stressed the need to have unwavering determination towards ensuring that those who recklessly damage public properties face swift and just consequences which includes stricter penalties and a zero-tolerance approach to vandalism.
The SA called on the stakeholders at the meeting which includes Transport Unions to encourage drivers to adopt safe and courteous driving practices while the motor mechanics and panel beaters should foster a sense of ownership and responsibility by reporting vandalism of such, especially when vehicles involving in the destruction of government properties/facilities are brought to them for repair.
In a remark, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mr Olufemi Aladenola said that their is a law against the act which would be fully enforced, calling on all hands to be on deck to protect public property for the State to thrives.
The Commandant Road safety Corps, Dr Samuel lbitoye, Commandant of Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps who was represented by the Deputy, Tiamiyu Abimbola, representative of the Nigeria Police Force and other stakeholders, commended the State government for organising the meeting to chat a way forward.
According to them, the consequence of the inability to abide by rules and regulation are enormous hence the need for people to ensure behavioral changes to enhanced development.
The guest lecture at the event, Wemimo Ajegbemiga (Esq) maintained that the destruction of government properties by reckless drivers is a serious issue that affects not only the infrastructure but also the financial resources of the government.
He highlighted government infrastructures usually affected by reckless driving to include, road signs and markings, guardrails and crash barrier, streetlights and traffic signals, bridges and highway infrastructure, dual carriageways and roundabouts which is usually caused by over speeding, drunk driving,distracted driving , especially using the phone while driving among others.
To mitigate these issues, he recommended enhance road safety measures, implementing stricter traffic laws and enforcement,conduct public awareness campaigns, Improve road design and maintenance, promote vehicle safety inspections, encourage responsible driving, road users to maintain sanity, among others.
Other Stakeholders at the event including the State Chairman of NURTW, Com. Ademola Odudu, in separate messages, affirmed that the meeting is an eye opener, promising to sensitise their members to put at bay the menace.
