By Sunday Okoli
The Anambra State Government has placed a ban on the erection of speed bumps on all asphalted roads across the state without prior approval.
The Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Arc. Okey Ezeobi, announced this during a meeting with Community President-Generals and contractors handling road projects in the state today, July 22.
According to the commissioner, no community or individual is permitted to construct speed bumps on public roads without authorization. He added that the ministry has commenced steps to remove all existing unauthorized speed bumps using appropriate equipment.
“We are also working towards introducing legislation that will criminalize the unauthorized construction of speed bumps on our roads,” Arc. Ezeobi said.
He, however, noted that there would be limited exceptions in sensitive areas. “Speed bumps may be considered around certain locations such as schools, including public primary schools, churches, and properly established markets. I am not referring to small roadside stalls or informal trading points, but properly planned and established markets,” he clarified.
For such approved locations, the commissioner said the ministry would develop a uniform design standard, and construction would require formal approval from the relevant authorities.
Arc. Ezeobi explained that one of the major problems with improperly constructed speed bumps is water accumulation, which damages road pavements and accelerates deterioration.
“If you observe many roads with speed bumps, you will notice that water often accumulates around them. Therefore, speed bumps have been abolished except where they are properly approved. Where necessary, the approved design will incorporate adequate openings or drainage gaps to allow water to flow freely,” he said.
The commissioner warned that anyone found constructing unauthorized speed bumps would be acting illegally and could face arrest and prosecution.
He also charged community leaders to take ownership of government infrastructural projects in their domains.
“This means you have a responsibility to sensitize your communities about streetlight projects and other government infrastructure in your areas. You must ensure that members of your communities understand that these facilities are public assets and must be protected,” Arc. Ezeobi added.
Sunday Okoli is of the Ministry of Information and Value Reformation, Anambra State
