Destruction of street furniture worries Ondo State Government; vows to go tough on culprits

 

The Ondo State Government has expressed worry over the destruction of street furniture such as traffic barriers, bollards, streetlamps, traffic lights, traffic signs, bus stops, fountains, public sculptures, waste receptacles among others in Akure, the state capital, and other major towns across the state.

The Special Adviser to the Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, on Transportation, Dr. Olugbenga Omole, expressed the worry during a meeting with stakeholders in the transportation industry in Akure, the state capital.

The Special Adviser noted that the street furniture do not only serve as guides to road users but also beautify the roads, and serve as monuments indicating notable places and events as well as adding to the aesthetics the city.

He said the administration of Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa seriously frowns at the incessant destruction of these furniture which he described as government property, posing that government would not take it lying-down with any one or group culpable of such act.

Dr. Omole therefore cautioned reckless road users, especially motorists, tricyclists, motorcyclists and other reckless individuals against destroying the facilities without making provisions for repair or replacement.

According to him, protection of these facilities should be the collective efforts of the citizens and not that of government alone, adding that the spate of daily destruction of these landmark facilities was becoming alarming.

While urging motor mechanics and panel beaters as well as other artisans to report any suspected property brought to them for repair, the Special Adviser also urged all stakeholders to educate the citizens on the importance of protecting public facilities and the consequences of damaging them.

Dr. Omole therefore called on transport unions to encourage their members to adopt safe and cautious driving practices, obey road signs and traffic rules, including adhering to speed limits, maintaining safe distances, and avoiding aggressive driving behaviours.

The Permanent Secretary, Ondo State Ministry of Transport, Mr. Olufemi Aladenola, explained that all signs on the road have a specific purpose for road users, nothing that destroying any of them amounts to crime against the law.

The Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps, Commandant (Dr), Samuel Ibitoye, called for proper education of road users, stressing that observance of traffic rules and regulations on the road reduced accident and damage of street furniture.

Representative of the Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps, Abimbola Tiamiyu said that all government property and assets need to be protected and secured by everyone, saying it is unlawful to destroy or deface them.