ONE YEAR AFTER OKADA BAN, ANAMBRA RESIDENTS STILL EXPRESS MIX REACTIONS

More than one year after the ban on the operation of commercial motorcycles, popularly called Okada in certain parts of Anambra state, residents are still experiencing difficulties in accessing their destinations through alternative means.

Some respondents, who spoke with Radio Nigeria, complained about the high cost of taking taxis and tricycles to different locations within the affected cities.

In May last year, Governor Willie Obiano of Anambra State announced that a total ban on the use of motorcycles for commercial and private purposes would be effected in Awka and Onitsha metropolis.

Mixed reactions trailed the announcement.

While many believed it would help to sanitize the cities and reduce crime rate, others criticized it as capable of compounding the economic hardship faced by some citizens.

Reasons adduced by the government for the ban, included rise in Okada related accidents and activities of criminals, believed to be aided by motorcycle operators.

It was also believed that okada riders contributed to traffic congestions in commercial areas.

Despite the opposition, the government was not deterred from effecting the ban on July 1, 2018.

One year down the line, the ban is still generating reactions.

A resident, Mr. Dennis Okegbu, still believed the ban was a step in the right direction.

Another resident, Mr. Chike Onyeaso, lamented that since the ban, he oftentimes trekked several kilometres due to the fact that tricycles did not ply his route.

A Commercial tricycle operator, Mr. Boniface Ekpe, complained of high levies being imposed on their members on daily basis.

A former motorcycle operator, who now rides tricycle, otherwise known as Keke, Mr. Onyebuchi Uba, said he was enjoying the tricycle business better than Okada riding.

Others respondents called on government to reduce and regulate the levies being collected from tricycle operators.

This they maintained would help in forcing down the cost of transportation within the affected areas.

While they commended the government for taking the the bold step, they also submitted that extra efforts were required to cushion the negative impacts of the ban on the citizenry.

OBY ARINZE