…Caution Over Alleged Fake Agents
Following commencement of activities by the task- force on street trading and illegal motor parks which has lasted for a week in Port Harcourt metropolis, there have been commendations by residents for the work being done so far, while some have expressed concern over moves in some quarters to infiltrate the group.
Giving credit to the taskforce team set up by governor Nyesom Wike for giving the state a new lease of life, some residents have noted that Rivers State not only wear a new look but is gradually regaining its status as Garden City. An architect, Silas Mordi state that the state had an original master plan, which had been altered, including the aesthetics of the city structure over the years. He expressed confidence in the work of the task force spread across different units of the city, stressing that government had used its will power effectively to bring about a visible change. “If you tell a new comer in the city that Port Harcourt used to be crowded and disorderly before now, he or she would hardly believe you, which is good for the image of the state. I want to see a sustainable effort like this. I also wish to see this develop into a programme that incoming government will continue. This is without any bias a remarkable feat.”
He charged the leadership of the task force to constantly do a study of how to improve on the efforts being made so far.
Another resident, Bright Chimezie, who spoke at Rumuokoro round about noted that the area now wears a new look different from the way it used to be. He said that the task for activities had not only brought about order but a cessation of illegal activities like touting and open robbery which many took advantage to perpetrate.
He also alleged that some other persons not authorized to do the job of a task force may have infiltrated the team at Rumuokoro. According to him, some boys, also in blue reflective jackets were alleged to have presented themselves as officials of the task force and allegedly extorted money from motorists who reportedly parked wrongly in a busy area.
At Rumuokoro roundabout, the area though to be known for chaotic traffic, motorists were seen moving with ease, just as the National Network spotted a scene around Rumuodomaya market where wares were set ablaze by certain task force group, following the failure of a trader to move her items off the road.
Meanwhile, residents have commended the task force for starting out well, even as some have expressed concern about continuity without any compromise in the face of challenge.
