Bridget Asekhauno, Sector Commander of FRSC in Anambra, disclosed this during a one day summit on “Traffic and Security Management on Enugu-Onitsha Dual Carriage Way” organised by the Anambra Government and MTN/CCGE/CLI in Awka.

Asekhauno said there were 13 crashes at the Immigration Junction, Awka involving 133 persons within the period out of which six died and 45 sustained injury.

“Crashes due to brake failure were eight; speeding, four and tyre burst was one,” he said.

In the Nteje axis, the sector Commander said the total crashes were 18 with 13 deaths and 61 persons injured.

“Particular attention should be given to Immigration Junction and the steep descent from the Old Government House Axis, where recurring brake-failure incidents involving articulated vehicles present a serious threat to road users,” she said.

The Sector Commander said the completion of the Anambra stretch of the dual carriageway had significantly improved vehicular movement, reduced travel time, enhanced commercial activities and increased accessibility along the route.

She however, said the improved road condition had led to increased traffic, speeding, dangerous driving, route violation and emerging security concerns which required urgent recalibration of traffic, safety and security management strategies.

She pointed out that on the Amawbia-Amansea corridor, the absence of some critical road furniture could adversely affect traffic operations and road safety if not promptly addressed.

“These include traffic control devices, pedestrian facilities, incomplete road shoulder, faded road markings, removal of pedestrian barricades around the UNIZIK junction.

“I recommend reinstallation of pedestrian barricades at strategic locations, enforcement of use of the existing pedestrian bridge, repainting all faded markings using reflective thermoplastic materials,”.

She also recommended the construction of a pedestrian bridge at Regina Junction.

Asekhauno called for involvement of the FRSC at the designing of roads at the construction stage and after construction to ensure that safety infrastructure was not compromised.

The one day seminar, which drew participants from various stakeholders in the road transport sector was declared open and chaired by Ms Chiamaka Nnake, the Secretary to Anambra Government.(NAN)

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