The Obetsebi Lamptey Interchange has been cleaned of mechanics and unlicensed vehicle repair operations by the Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA) in an effort to maintain traffic flow, restore orderliness, and improve the city’s reputation.
Under the direction of Hon. Michael Kpakpo Allotey, the mayor of Accra, automobiles that had been carelessly parked along the frontage of the Hyundai store were removed and abandoned cars were towed.
Additionally, several mechanics were warned not to use the space as an unlawful mechanic workshop and were instructed to promptly remove any mobile cars that were parked there.
The exercise was a component of the Assembly’s continuous decongestion and urban management initiative, which aims to restore public areas, enhance road safety, lessen traffic, and maintain the cleanliness and appeal of the city’s commercial frontages.
During a conversation with the mechanics, the Mayor warned them not to conduct their operations on roads, pavements, or business frontages, emphasising that doing so would detract from the city’s aesthetic appeal and cause inconvenience to both legitimate businesses and road users.
He pointed out that car dealerships’ and other businesses’ frontages need to be appealing and easily accessible to clients, investors, and tourists. He also mentioned that careless parking and auto repairs along these frontages had an adverse effect on business operations and the city’s reputation.
He emphasised that although the Assembly acknowledged the value of mechanics and craftspeople to the community’s economy, their activities must take place in suitable spaces rather than by the side of the road or in front of legitimate companies.
He argues that roadside mechanics frequently cause damage to road surfaces by spilling oil, obstructing pedestrian and vehicle traffic, causing congestion, and impeding the free flow of traffic.
He stated that the exercise will be repeated throughout the city, alerting car owners and mechanics who had converted business frontages and roadside areas into workshops to move voluntarily before the Assembly reached them.
“The city must work for everybody.We cannot allow a few people to take over public spaces, damage the roads, create congestion and prevent others from doing legitimate business,” he said.
The Mayor gave assurances that the Assembly was still dedicated to re-establishing order in the city and would keep taking decisive action against actions that led to chaos, traffic jams, and environmental deterioration.
Additionally, Hon. Allotey urged car owners to stop leaving their vehicles on the side of the road, threatening to tow them and charge the owners a price.
He stated that in order to guarantee that the city’s roadways, pavements, and public areas were utilised for their intended purposes, the Assembly would keep collaborating with pertinent security organisations and stakeholders.
Source: newsthemegh.com