Traffic build-up in Port Harcourt metropolis has reduced drastically following the activities of the task force against street trading in Port Harcourt.
From Rumuola to Oil mill, Eleme to Rumuodara, Waterlines to Diobu, motorists are thumping the state task force up for clearing the streets of street traders.
Motorists who spoke to theportcitynews correspondent said daily traffic build-up they usually encountered has decreased significantly, adding that there the roads are now clear for fast vehicular movement.
They praised the task force for a job well done and urged the government to sustain the tempo.
Our correspondent reports that some of the traders expressed mixed feeling over the activities of the task force, with some saying they are happy that the government has cleared the road for smooth flow of traffic for motorist and pedestrians.
Mr Gifts Amadi said ‘’ I think the governor has done a good thing by clearing the road for the free flow of traffic. But let him also try and provide a space for the traders to sell their wares.
Also, Madam Joy said, she is happy with the new experience of passing the street without fear of being mobbed. May God bless Governor Wike for his work in Rivers State.
Also, Mfon Essien, a single mother and a trader, said the new development will help curb hoodlums and criminals that harass traders and steal money and goods.
Continuing, she said “, it is from this street trading I used to cater for my children at home, if nothing is done to provide shelter for us, it means I have been sentenced to death by hunger”.
She pleaded with the task force to provide an alternative place for women to trade and feed their families.
Some, however, said activities of the task force have denied the traders of the opportunity to trade and feed their families.
Also, Mrs Ngozi Chukwu, on her part asked ‘’is it the free flow of traffic that will put food on peoples table? Abeg, you people, should ask the governor to provide somewhere for traders to continue with their source of livelihood in an already difficult country. There is hunger everywhere. I feel so sad because nobody is talking on measures to lift the masses out of poverty, but the government is always coming up with anti-people policies, abeg shift make I pass” she said angrily and walked away.
They called on the state governor to provide alternative and affordable places to enable them to fend for themselves.
