Illegal speed breakers aid armed robbers, kidnappers – Abia House

By ANAYO OKOLI

UMUAHIA—ABIA State House of Assembly has banned construction of speed breakers on some federal and state roads in the state, describing them as a risk to road users.

The House said illegal speed breakers aid armed robbers, kidnappers and other miscreants to attack motorists and travelers.

Deputy Speaker of the House, Chief Alwell Asiforo Okere, who briefed journalists on the activities of the House in the last one month, said the House took the decision, following complaints from the people on the dangers constituted by the speed breakers.

The House noted that beside exposing road users to criminal attacks, illegal speed breakers also cause  damage to vehicles, hinder free flow of movement of vehicles and lead to accidents, especially to motorists not conversant with the roads.

The House named roads with illegal speed breakers to include Ururuka-Aba-Umuahia, Acho Nwakanma bye-pass in Obingwa council area, Alayi and Item roads in Bende council and Ochendo bye-pass in Umuahia North council area.

Consequently, the House resolved that the construction of speed breakers on state and federal roads shall be on approval from the state/ Federal Ministries of Works or their relevant agencies and under the supervision of such agencies, so they could conform to  required and approved standards.

The House directed that any individual, village, community that constructed any such speed breaker without approval should face sanctions.

It further directed traditional rulers in communities where illegal speed breakers were constructed to  ensure they were dismantled without delay.

They were also to ensure  roads in their domains were cleared periodically to provide walkways for the people.