By ALEX ENEBELI

The Enugu State Government has warned residents, businesses, organisations and advertisers against defacing, damaging or engaging in the unauthorised use of bus shelters and other public transport infrastructures across the state.

The State Commissioner for Transport, Dr Obi Ozor, gave the warning in a statement issued in Enugu by the ministry’s Public Relations Officer, Mr Odumegwu Chinwendu, and made available to newsmen on Thursday.

Ozor stated that the newly constructed bus shelters and transport infrastructure were public assets built through significant government investments to create a cleaner, safer, more organised and modern transportation system.

He explained that the ministry had observed with serious concern the increasing posting of posters, stickers, banners, handbills and other unauthorised advertisements on bus shelters and related public infrastructure across the state.

According to him, such acts are illegal, unacceptable and will no longer be tolerated.

The commissioner directed that no posters, stickers, banners, advertisements, handbills or public notices should be posted on any bus shelter or transport infrastructure without express approval by the ministry.

He warned that any individual, organisation, business or agent found defacing, damaging or illegally using public transport infrastructure would be sanctioned accordingly.

The sanctions, he explained, would include heavy fines and possible legal prosecution.

Ozor further stated that the enforcement teams had been mandated to monitor public transport infrastructure across the state and ensure full compliance with the directive.

He explained that the directive formed part of the government’s broader behavioural change campaign aimed at promoting civic responsibility, environmental cleanliness, orderliness and respect for public infrastructure.

The commissioner stated that the continued defacing of public infrastructure increased maintenance and cleaning costs; created visual disorder; damaged the aesthetics of the city and undermined the government’s vision for a modern and organised Enugu.

He, therefore, called on residents and stakeholders to support the protection, preservation and responsible use of public assets for the collective benefit of all.

“Together, let us keep Enugu clean, organised, and beautiful,” Ozor added. (NAN)