By Adebisi Adeyemi, Lagos
Mr Stephen Orlu, the Chairman, Abali Park, a chapter of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), in Rivers, has called for the closure of illegal motor parks in Port Harcourt.
Orlu told newsmen in Port Harcourt on Friday that the indiscriminate establishment of motor parks at different locations in the city was uncivilised.
He urged the state Ministry of Transport to shut down all motor parks that were operating without the approval of the State Government.
According to him, the development is compounding the already terrible traffic situation in Port Harcourt.
“Motor parks are supposed to be strategically positioned in places where they will not affect traffic flow negatively.
“Clearly, there are areas of the city that are not suitable for motor park operations but this is being violated to the detriment of the public,’’ he said.
The NURTW leader said that there were more than 40 motor parks operating illegally within the Port Harcourt metropolis.
Orlu said that the situation had also created a situation where motor parks had turned a base for criminals.
“This is not right, steps need to be taken to ensure that the right things are done in the interest of the state and its people,’’ he said.