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By Akpan David, Calabar
Thousands of oil trucks which posed potential risk of fire outbreak on the Murtala Mohammed highway in Calabar have now been cleared.
Despite public outcry, the government of immediate past governor, Ben Ayade was unable to de-congest the highway which usually caused not only vehicular gridlock but other risks like fire.
The government observed that parking of articulated vehicles along the highway had over the years caused many accidents which resulted in losses of lives and properties.
The Joint Task Force on Petroleum Monitoring on petroleum products inaugurated by Governor Bassey Otu two weeks ago, acting on its mandate, moved into action, and with few days, has moved the trucks to another location.
Speaking to journalists, chairman of the Joint Task Force, Hon. Peter Okim expressed optimism in the realisation of a cleaner, greener, safer and greater Cross River under him.
He explained that, apart from ensuring that petroleum products are not diverted or hoarded, the JTF on petroleum was constituted by the governor to help clear the highway of articulated vehicles and other causes of gridlocks and accidents on the road.
He expressed satisfaction in the outcome so far.
“We have been able to move all trucks initially parked on this major road to their park. The governor understood the danger posed by the continuous parking of articulated vehicles along the highway, and mandated the JTF team to hastily clear the road.
“We are happy that we have delivered on the mandate, even though we had to go hard with some drivers to ensure compliance with the directive”.
He added that they will continue to enforce strict compliance with the directive, going forward as offenders would be severely punished.
He warned drivers against indiscriminate parking as it poses great dangers to other road users.
A driver of one of trucks, Ibrahim Idris said they had to park on the highway because it was close to the oil loading depot.
He alleged that they used to pay certain officials whilst their trucks waited for their turns to load.
