The Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly has passed a Motion to curb illegal motor parks in Uyo Metropolis.
The House also called for a revamp of government-owned motor parks in different local government areas.
This followed a motion sponsored by the Member representing Nsit Ubium State Constituency, Rt. Hon. (Barr.) Otobong Bob at Plenary on Tuesday.
Barr. Bob, the Deputy Leader of the Assembly, expressed worry over the rising number of illegal motor parks in Uyo Metropolis which according to him contributes to traffic congestion, disorderliness and unsafe conditions on major roads and public spaces.
Bob, noted with dismay that illegal motor parks operations undermine government revenue and worked against public safety.
He expressed displeasure that Government-owned motor parks in Uyo Metropolis are under utilized or in deplorable conditions, encouraging the proliferation of illegal alternatives.
In its resolution, the House called on the state government to prioritise the renovation and modernization of government-owned motor parks in Uyo metropolis and other motor parks in different local government areas.
The House also mandated relevant agencies, “including the Ministry of Transportation, and the Uyo Capital City Development Authority (UCCDA), to enforce existing laws against illegal motor parks.”
Furthermore, the House called for partnerships between the government and private sector to manage and maintain motor parks, ensuring sustainability and improved service delivery.
The Speaker, Rt. Hon. (Elder) Udeme Otong, while Presiding over the plenary session, directed the Clerk, Mrs NsikakAbasi Orok to communicate the resolution of the House to the Executive Governor.
Also at Plenary, the House considered a Motion on the “Need to Ensure that the Activities of Oil and Gas Companies are Carried Out in Full Compliance with Applicable Environmental Laws and Regulations in Force in the State”, sponsored by the Member representing Essien Udim State Constituency, Hon. (Prince) Ukpong Akpabio.
In the meantime, the House has adjourned its plenary to Tuesday, February 18th, 2025, at 10am.
AKHA Seeks restoration of solar-powered street lights
The Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly has called for the restoration of solar-powered street lights along Ikot Oku Ikono flyover and other major roads in Uyo Metropolis.
This followed a Motion by the Member representing Uyo State Constituency, Hon. Uwemedimo Asuquo, at Plenary on Tuesday.
Asuquo informed the House that “there is no single street light from Stadium Road, to Nung Oku Roundabout, to Idoro Road, resulting from the vandalisation or expiration of solar batteries that were used in powering the street lights, when it was commissioned by the administration of former Governor Godswill Akpabio.”
“Same is the total blackout from Itam Flyover to Ikot Oku Ikono Flyover. Currently, there is no functional Street Light along Idoro Road and this has sparked an increase in criminal activities and vandalisation of government properties like the QIC Primary School, Idoro, where the zinc has been removed by vandals.”
He therefore called on the House to instruct the Ministry of Works and Fire Service, in connection with the contractor handling the project, to embark on the installation of solar-powered street lights along Ikot Oku Ikono, Uyo-Etinan Road, to John Kirk Square.
He also called for the replacement of solar street lights at the Goodluck Jonathan Boulevard, Itam Flyover, Abak Circus and other areas.
In his response, the Speaker, Rt. Hon. (Elder) Udeme Otong, directed the House Committee on Works and Fire Service, to liaise with the Ministry of Works and Fire Service, with a view of rectifying the situation in the interest of the general public.
In the meantime, the House has adjourned its plenary to Tuesday, February 18, 2025, at 10 a.m.
