The Sekondi-Takoradi Metropolitan Chief Executive, Anthony Kobina Kurentir Sam, has explained that the Assembly’s decision to relocate some transport terminals to the refurbished Apremdo Bus Terminal, is not an action targeted at any transport operator.
He insists the exercise is only to ensure that the city’s traffic situation improves.
[contextly_sidebar id=”JpF8DkJ3kUeqnatQqeIkCK74DNmbQXUU”]Mr. K.K Sam described as an eyesore the sight of drivers loading and offloading passengers right in the middle of the road, while others also use the frontage of stores as loading points.
“Driving in town these days is not pleasant. Shops within the Takoradi business centre are not functioning well all because some transport operators on their own have decided to convert the roads in front of stores into lorry parks and are creating undue vehicular traffic. This you will agree is preventing brisk business”.
He says as a proactive administration they will not allow the situation to worsen before they act.
“The Assembly does not have any intention to destroy anybody’s business, but only for decency to prevail at city centers and for the city to become the neatest and the most pleasant to drive in… so we are pleading with transport operators to move to Apremdo.”
Mr. K.K Sam maintained that the Assembly will prefer to take bold but unpopular decisions to avert any future disaster than to take decisions which are popular now but can lead to bring about negative repercussions later.
“Some transport operators at the Accra station have been using the shoulders of the road as car parks. And my fear is that school children crossing the road can be knocked down, and l am not going to sit down for some mishap to happen before we come to proffer an explanation.”
The Sekondi-Takoradi Metropolitan Assembly has recently come under heavy criticisms from some transport operators on its decision to relocate them.
They accused the Mayor, K.K Sam, of receiving GHc300.000 from the GPRTU, to influence its decision to relocate other transport operators apart from them.
But addressing a press conference on Friday December 8, 2017, the MCE refuted the bribery allegation, and explained that all the affected transport operators were in the meeting that agreed on the said relocation.
“I can say unequivocally that such allegations are false and it is just to tarnish my reputation and the good project the Assembly is doing. And l challenge them that within 24 hours they should produce evidence, showing where and when l took monies from GPRTU and the drivers.”
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By: Kojo Ennimil Arthur/citifmonline.com/Ghana