The Imo State Government has commenced clearing obstructions on the streets of Owerri, the capital city, and other cities in the state under its environmental sanitation, urban orderliness, and free flow of traffic policy.

The exercise, which began in Owerri, the state capital, according to a statement yesterday, is being executed by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Monitoring and Compliance, Chinasa Nwaneri, in partnership with officials of the Imo State Environmental Transformation Commission (IMO ENTRACO).

According to Nwaneri, the exercise aims to “restore order and ensure free vehicular and human movements” in the state’s cities and environs.

He regretted that, apart from obstructing roads, street traders were also inhibiting the free flow of waterways by blocking drainages and water channels with improperly disposed materials.

Nwaneri disclosed that the areas covered by the enforcement team in Owerri and its environs include Amakohia Market, Akwakuma Junction, Orji Junction, Imo State University Junction, Douglas Road to Emmanuel College Roundabout, Egbu Road by Fire Service, and Mbaise Road Junction, along with adjoining areas.

Other locations to be cleared of street traders, he informed, include Hospital Junction by Port Harcourt Road and other affected spots.

He stressed that defaulters and occupants of unauthorised business spaces would face strict penalties.

In another development, Nwaneri cautioned against indiscriminate waste disposal and dumping of refuse in drainages, warning that anyone caught would face the full wrath of the law, with all human-faced enforcement mechanisms in place.