…As Govt Pledges To Restore Normalcy
Some concerned residents of Port Harcourt have noted with regrets that long absence of street lights in some major roads are part of the reasons movement in and around the city has been hampered.
Some of the residents stated that movement at night hours has become scary than before, against the backdrop of pockets of criminal activities around the city.
According to Faith Ibanga, “I am afraid to work free at night hours because you don’t know who is who. I am only comfortable when I work in a group returning from work”. She called on the government to do more to improve the situation.
Another respondent, Caroline Mathias who preferred to speak in pidgin said: “Me I no de fit waka for night again because of street light here light no dey. I no dey see wetin dey for back or front”. She appealed to authorities to revive the street light efficiency the way it was before.
Also speaking, Mr. Ben Ogbu stated that functional street light is what it takes to work around confidently. According to him, even “when there is power outage, people have street light to fall back on. I am talking about those who live close to major roads like me.
“I don’t know the reason for this, if government needs to pay people to get it efficient, let the government see to that. It is one of indications that we are part of civilization”.
Similarly, Favour Vizor, a student equally called on government not to relent to ensure that there is constant street light, “I believe that street light adds to security and safety in the state. For instance, I was driving one day like that and my head light had issues that I could not fix, it was the street light that gave me the confidence to drive home without fear.
“I am also speaking for commercial vehicles; you see some of them move round without their head lights on. It is very important to have it back in the areas where are challenges,” she said cliaming that the development had been noticed for some time now.
Those who spoke were unanimous in their opinion that government should help salvage the situation.
National Network checks revealed that affected areas include Woji Link Road, Old GRA, Aggrey Road, Elekahia Road, Station Road and Azikiwe Road.
Meanwhile, the Rivers State government has apologized and expressed concern over power outage in some major roads. According to a statement credited to the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Power, government assured the general public that the ministry is working to restore normalcy as soon as possible.
