FCTA initiates special operations to end gridlock
The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has initiated a special operation to curb persistent traffic challenges in the Federal Capital City.
The Director, FCTA Directorate of Road Traffic Services (DRTS), Dr Abdulateef Bello made this known at the inauguration of the operation on Thursday in Abuja.
Bello explained that the directorate commenced the special operation with the collaboration of other agencies and intensive security cover provided by the Command and Control Centre.
He said that the operation entailed posting of special enforcement squad comprising several personnel from different security agencies to the most troubled spots during peak hours.
He said this measure would prevent motorists from picking and dropping passengers.
Bello said that the operation, which began at the popular Area One Bridge, would also be extended to other strategic locations in Abuja.
The director, while assuring that more motor parks would be created when the need arose, also called on motorists and residents to be law abiding.
Bello, who blamed the traffic challenges in Abuja to growing population, said that Vehicle Inspection Officers had been trained to ease traffic stress.
“FCT is a work in progress as the city evolves and parks are equally developed and for the time being, the population is already increasing. It is not about the size of the parks but coordination.
“What we are doing is to realign the commercial buses and taxis back to existing parks. As you can see, the Area One round about is now free and we will continue until we establish what we want, “he said.
The Secretary, FCTA Command and Control Unit, Mr. Peter Olumuji said that traffic management was very vital to the administration as it provided adequate security for DRTS officers.
Olumuji said that the centre had to be involved by providing security cover to avoid any of the traffic officers being attacked or molested by motorists.
He said the FCT Minister, Mohammed Bello was sad that traffic officers on lawful duties were sometimes attacked by lawless individuals.
