Uhunmwode Chairman Tests New Traffic Strategy To Tackle Eyean CNG Gridlock, Warns Against One-Way Violations
The Executive Chairman of Uhunmwode Local Government Council, Hon. Austin Imafidon, popularly known as ISIWINA, has commenced a test run of a new traffic management strategy aimed at addressing persistent gridlock around the Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) station along the Eyean axis of Uhunmwode Local Government Area, Edo State.
The exercise, which began at about 6:30 a.m. on Monday, October 26, involved the chairman, operatives of the Uhunmwode Road Obstruction and Traffic Intelligent Management Scheme (UROTIMS), and personnel of the State Security Network Corps.
The intervention follows recurring traffic congestion caused by motorists and transport operators queuing in double lines while waiting to access the CNG station to purchase or discharge gas. The situation, particularly involving heavy-duty vehicles, has repeatedly obstructed the expressway, inconveniencing commuters and other road users.
Under the new arrangement, vehicles accessing the CNG facility are being redirected through Izevbehe Street, an adjoining road behind the station. The strategy is designed to move waiting vehicles away from the expressway, ease traffic congestion and provide a more orderly access route to the facility.
Speaking during the operation, Hon. Imafidon urged motorists and transport operators to cooperate with UROTIMS personnel and comply with the approved traffic control measures, stressing that public cooperation would be essential to the success of the initiative.
The chairman expressed concern over what he described as the inadequate cooperation of the CNG station's management in addressing the persistent traffic problem.
He recalled that the council had previously intervened by removing illegal structures around the facility to create additional parking space for heavy-duty vehicles conducting business at the station.
According to him, the intervention was intended to provide an organised parking arrangement and prevent vehicles from spilling onto the expressway. However, he regretted that the space created had not been effectively utilised to achieve the desired result, necessitating the introduction of the new traffic management strategy.
Hon. Imafidon consequently called on the management of the CNG station to work closely with the council and UROTIMS to find a lasting solution to the congestion, noting that commercial activities at the facility should not be allowed to obstruct public roads or endanger other road users.
In a firm warning, the chairman declared that motorists caught driving against the authorised direction of traffic, particularly those violating the one-way arrangement, would be apprehended and dealt with in accordance with applicable laws.
He maintained that the council would not tolerate deliberate violations capable of undermining the initiative or compromising road safety.
Also speaking, the Director of Operations and head of the UROTIMS team, Mr. Lucky Onobun, assured the chairman that the scheme would sustain the new traffic control arrangement through regular deployment of personnel to the affected area.
Onobun disclosed that officers would be deployed in three shifts, with operations running from early morning until 9:00 p.m. daily. He explained that the arrangement would ensure continuous monitoring of the traffic situation, effective direction of motorists and prompt intervention to prevent a recurrence of the gridlock.
The sustained deployment is expected to improve compliance, regulate vehicle movement and enable the team to assess the effectiveness of the new strategy for possible adjustments.
Some commercial vehicle operators who witnessed the exercise commended the council chairman for his proactive response to the persistent congestion. They also appealed to the management of the CNG station to collaborate with the council and UROTIMS to ensure the success of the initiative.
The operators further welcomed the proposed grading of Izevbehe Street, which Hon. Imafidon promised to undertake to improve the road's condition and make it more accessible to motorists.
The proposed grading is expected to enhance the alternative access route, facilitate the diversion of waiting vehicles from the expressway and reduce traffic disruption around the CNG facility.
However, the management of the CNG station was absent during the test run and did not participate in the exercise.
Despite the absence, the chairman and the UROTIMS team proceeded with the operation, reaffirming the council's determination to address the recurring congestion and restore order along the busy Eyean axis.
The test run forms part of the Uhunmwode Local Government Council's broader efforts to strengthen traffic management, promote road safety and prevent avoidable obstructions on public roads.
The council emphasised the need for sustained cooperation among motorists, transport operators, commercial establishments and relevant security agencies to achieve a lasting solution to the problem.
With the planned deployment of UROTIMS personnel and the proposed improvement of Izevbehe Street, the council expressed optimism that the new arrangement would ease congestion around the Eyean CNG station and provide a safer and more convenient experience for commuters and other road users.
