.URGES IMO STATE GOVERNMENT TO TAKE STEPS TO ENSURE TOUTS DO NOT CONVERT ITS UNDER FLYOVER SPACE TO ILLEGAL MOTOR PARK

In his continued move to always commend the diligence of the 3-R Shared Prosperity Leadership in its solid infrastructural development across the state, eminent businessman and philanthropist, Citizen Akirika Okoro, has appreciated the Governor of Imo State, Senator Hope Uzodimma, for constructing a world-class flyover in the state capital, owerri. Citizen Akirika also commended Governor Uzodimma for pulling down the poorly built Imo International Conference Centre, IICC, and rebuilt a more acceptable IICC project, which has been renamed Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu International Conference Centre, IICC, Owerri.

Citizen Akirika Okoro made the commendation when he received the good news that the two projects, started over one year ago, have been completed, awaiting commissioning. He however urged the State Government not to allow touts and criminal elements to converge and convert the front and under flyover space into motor parks, as gradually being observed.

In his words, the Owerri Nchi-ise born international business tycoon said, *”flyovers are built to reduce traffic congestion and split traffic flow. Urban expansion and infrastructural development by government have led in the increase in the construction of flyovers. We had two in the state capital, one at Orji, the other at Amakohia. But today, our vision driven Governor, has added the new one at Control Post, and we are all applauding him for his foresight”.

“Under flyover space, if not quickly utilized or transformed into functional public spaces like Amusement parks, playgrounds, as well as decent commercial ventures, such as Newspaper/Vendor outlet, flower garden, fitness areas, recreational centre, etc, touts and criminal elements would start converging and use it for illegal motor park activities, which breeds insecurity in the system”.

Citizen Akirika Okoro therefore advised that Social Hubs, Urban Renewal, and Enhanced Urban Environment initiative, etc, should rather be the focus, so as to make the place effective, efficient
and attractive, thereby improving the overall quality of life for residents who live closely, including schools, hospitals and churches around the vicinity.