FRSC ANAMBRA STATE TO ACTIVATE OPERATION ZERO TOLERANCE, HOLDS MEDIA PARELY & AWARD CEREMONEY FOR JOURNALISITS
The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), on Saturday activated operation zero in their bid to stem the level of road mishaps in the state, especially during the yuletide season. The sector commander Anambra state, Mr Adeoye Irelewuyi made this known while interacting with journalists during a media parley in Awka over the weekend.
"In the light of the above therefore, the Command is poised to commence the Operation Zero Tolerance to RTC which starts nationwide on the 15th of December 2023 and is expected to run through 15th January, 2024. He stressed that this will be achieved through the deployment of about 1000 personnel State wide, who will be regular and special marshals. “It is expected that these personnel when deployed will engage in robust traffic management (enforcement and traffic control) as well as Public enlightenment, all targeted towards RTC reduction”
He said that the command is doing everything within its powers to ensure free flow of traffic devoid of any hitches. He however stated that the command impounded 332 vehicles for various offenses in Anambra State from January to November, 2023, while arresting a total of 1,953 road safety offenders for committing 2,119 offences within eleven months in Anambra State.
According to him, out of the 97 road crashes, 820 persons were involved but 25 of the crashes were fatal resulting into death of 35 persons while 270 people got injured.
"This shows there is a significant improvement and reduction when compared with 2022 records where we had a total of 132 RTCs involving 1,048 persons, 42 of which were fatal, claiming the lives of 64 persons and injuring 306 persons.
"In the face of security threats and high risks to personnel safety, the Anambra Sector Command remains undaunted in its efforts to drastically reduce RTCs and create safer motoring environment. It has arrested 1,953 offenders with 2,119 offences from January to 30th November, 2023 and impounded 332 vehicles.
"This also shows an improvement when compared to the year 2022 where we recorded 1,381 offenders arrest with 1,493 offences, while 382 where impounded. The Command will continue to strive harder to ensure the achievement of the Corps’ corporate strategic goals as well as the United Nations target of reduction of RTC by 50% by the year 2030," he added.
"Similarly we are discussing the possibility of some emergency repairs of critical portions of the expressway at Onitsha, Owerri road, Bridge head and other points as palliative measures so as to ensure free traffic flow.
"The State Command has also received the delivery of a brand new 70 ton Tow truck (Juggernaut) from our national HQ. This will greatly assist in ensuring prompt removal of obstructions and reduce gridlock."
He stated that the command is also in synergy with critical Stakeholders including Sister Security agencies, Federal Ministry of Works, Anambra state ministry of transport, Anambra State Road Traffic Management Agency, the Press and all other stakeholders in order to ensure a successful Operations Zero Tolerance.
“Presently we are discussing with the representatives of MTN and the Federal Ministry of Works and Housing (FMWH) Anambra on the possibility of opening the Onitsha bound lane of the Expressway to traffic as from the 15 th of December, 2023. This we believe will ease the pressure of traffic at the Amawbia flyover”
The high point of the event was the presentation of awards to deserving journalists, who have committed to ensuring the safety of the citizens, by their factual reporting of events on major roads in Anmabra state.