Ebonyi State government has frowned on the unauthorised erection of speed bumps on roads by residents and communities across the state.
It described the practice as illegal and harmful to public infrastructure, posing serious danger to both people and their property.
The Commissioner for Works, Stanley Mbam, who issued the warning during an interaction with journalists, stated that many of the speed-breakers placed by residents and communities were unnecessary.
Noting that many roads constructed by the state government do not require speed-breakers, he explained that the indiscriminate construction of such obstacles could lead to early deterioration and erosion of the roads.
He emphasised that individuals or communities do not have the right to alter road structures without express approval from the state government through the Ministry of Works.
“The state government will sanction areas that erected speed-breakers without government approval.
“If any community believes speed breakers are necessary, they must first apply to the Ministry of Works. We will inspect the area, determine if it’s truly needed, and then decide the appropriate type before granting approval,” the commissioner added.
He also urged residents to take responsibility for their immediate environment by regularly cleaning drainages around their homes and communities.
“The Ministry of Works is executing critical road projects across the state, many of which have been completed and awaiting formal commissioning. The state has completed over 128km of roads and if we were to begin commissioning all completed projects, especially roads, we would be doing that every day.
“Ironically, the money used for commissioning ceremonies is sometimes more than what is spent on the actual project execution,” he noted.
Mbam assured the public that Governor Francis Nwifuru’s administration “is focused on completing numerous developmental projects” before the end of its first tenure, promising improved infrastructure and sustained support for rural communities.
