Transport Ministry and its shortcomings

Transportation, being the movement of persons or goods from a location  to another, is an age-long, dynamic practice which has taken several forms over the years. From the time when the early men employed the services of animals like herds in the conveyance of their properties and as a means of traveling, transportation has been unavoidable, unrivalled and unswervable.
Subsequently, the mode of transportation changed with civilization and the need to meet-up with the demands of a fast-growing economy.

Today, the Air, Land, Rail and Sea transport system have collectively made vast this exceptional means of communication.  Indeed, transportation remains the best medium of communication despite the conglomeration of Mobile Communication Network. This is because this medium alone gives one the privilege of seeing the real condition of a person, place or thing; a criteria which is not obtainable with the Mobile Communication system.

Apart from its domestic role, transportation also aids commercial activities as people geographically separated are brought together by it. It also makes for the effective and efficient distribution of goods as well as the prevention of wastage of perishable goods. Most worthy of its importance is its ability to aid people’s movement else, humans at a time like this would lag behind; owing to their inability to find a convenient means of getting to places, meeting-up with appointments and other things pertaining to sustaining livelihood. 

While it is true that some individuals can effectively manage the transport affairs, it is also true that many others may abuse or mis-use the privilege of appreciating what the transport environment provides if given the chance hence, the control of the sector by the government becomes a consoling fact since it is believed that the government can take good care of its citizens.

It is however worthy to note that the State Ministry of Transport has not done well in making available the right means of transportation as it appeals to peoples’ need. The dearth of an organized means of transporting is an example of the ministry’s shortcoming. In other parts of the country, the difference between private and public transport system is clearly defined. In Lagos State, for instance, the BRT and the Red Buses are set aside for public use.

The Buses which can comfortably accommodate over 60 seated passengers and 40 standing passengers is accessible to all who have the authorized and affordable ticket. Moreso, the BRT has it separate lane where other vehicles are not permitted to tour. By this, commuters can be at anywhere on time even in the face of elongated congestion and Traffic Jam in the city.

Unlike Uyo metropolis, other cities like Calabar, Abuja, Port Harcourt also have a clearly specified Bus stop where commuters are provided with a shade or seat to wait for a vehicle. These bus stops also serve as places where commuters can be disembarked to go their various destinations.

It is disheartening to note that the State Transport Sector has not tried in this area. There are no specified public means of transportation except the State Transport Company (AKTC) who charge more than other transport outfits in the State. As a matter of fact, the AKTC seems to exist for the aim of making profit than aiding citizens’ movement because it primarily focuses on ensuring that vehicles are available for traveling purposes whereas, residents are not catered for. There is no arrangement for people to be transported to places within the state environment.

In like manner, the total absence of Bus Stops and designated motor parks make the transport system handicap. This development which has resulted in the proliferation of motor parks in the State capital is an eyesore which must be treated.
Despite the decree issued out to motor park operators to relocate; the challenge of effecting the move seems cumbersome.

As of Bus stops, the State lacks such places where people can walk to, either to wait for a vehicle or alight. The order of the day is the picking-up and disbarking of commuters on highways, speed lanes, junctions and other dangerous parts of the road by commercial vehicle owners which often result in accidents, road congestions and other occurrences.

Another shortcoming of the Ministry is its inability to perform its oversight functions. The absence and repair of defunct traffic lights on major roundabouts is perhaps not considered. Routes like Abak Road by Ukana Offot, Aka Road by Ukana Offot and Abak Road by Udo Edouk have long been left at the mercy of traffic wardens who perform their duties only at specific times of the day.

The Ministry has also failed to take cognizance of abandoned trucks, Lorries and other scraps parked on motor-ways and roadsides which reduce the roads to a one-way, stuffy and squeaky road.

The essence of this piece however, is not to downplay the efforts of the Ministry but rather, it is to gear those concerned to further strategize their plans for the achievement of good, accessible and motorable roads; in line with the governments’ transformation bid and the provision of a well-organized transport system that will boost the working economy and save citizens the stress of having to shuttle to and fro destinations at exorbitant cost and prolonged time.