No Hassle Here!
When it comes to public transportation, it’s not a topic I have juicy tales on. At least not recently. Presently, living in a school area and also being a remote worker means that I don’t really have to go out unless I absolutely want to. And most of the time, I choose to leave my house when I feel is most comfortable for me.
But then, despite it all, I still have to go out. After all, I still have to get from my home to my classes, and I have to use public transport. When I go to my village, I still have to use public transport. So, whether I like it or not, this is not a topic that I can be exempted from.
I’m currently in Imo State and one thing I can assure you is that our major problem right now is not traffic. The majority of the roads here are free enough and the traffic is predictable enough that you can leave your home comfortably knowing that you will get to wherever you need to without any delays.
We don’t have big buses here, just these shuttle buses and they can be found all over the state. They seat only seven passengers with the driver making a total of eight. Then, with a good network of roads, driving through the major cities of Imo is always a pleasure. I’m not saying that we don’t experience traffic, of course, there is no place like that. However, I’m saying that it’s not as bad as it is in other states like Lagos and Abuja.
We used to have major traffic issues, but then the governor got rid of all the roundabouts in the state, and somehow, that did the trick. At this point, one major thing that causes traffic on our roads is the numerous checkpoints scattered all across the state. In one major road, you would have checkpoints, mounted by just about every law enforcement agency, most of them within sight of each other. They will all flag you down for the same reason and go through the same process with you. This is one major cause of traffic. Other times are when accidents happen or other unexpected occurrences.
So, is there something that the government can do? For me, the problem is the same as I mentioned in a previous post; we need better drainage systems. It’s saddening when only after a little rain, the roads are flooded, and when the cars drive by, they’ll be splashing everyone with water. This water ruins the roads and makes them worsen over time.
Even the area where I stay is no different. It’s free and clear, but the drainage is just zero. During the dry season, nothing is wrong and everyone can enjoy themselves. But during the rainy season, like now, no one can do much. I planned to step out just before making this post, however, it rained for about ten minutes. In other areas, the minute the rain stops, you can leave your home and do your thing. However, when the rain stops, you dare not leave your house. You still have to wait for about thirty minutes or even an hour if you’re not in a hurry. This is to allow some of the water to dissipate so you’ll see where to put your feet.
I’m only speaking about my area and the places I’ve covered in Imo State. I know that there are places with terrible roads, which go on to cause traffic. However, I don’t know much about those places, all I know are the areas that I frequent, and in these parts, our major traffic problem is drainage and endless checkpoints.
What can the government do about this? Well, they should reduce the amount of law enforcement presence on the road. If not reduced, all of them shouldn’t have to mount checkpoints and ask for the same thing! It always seems as if they’re fishing. Furthermore, the drainage system needs to be fixed. That way, even when it’s raining, people will be able to drive without fear. You’ll no longer be scared of driving into a ditch.
We still have a lot of ground to cover with regard to infrastructure, but I believe that in time, we’ll get everything that we’re after. I’m positive.
I can say that I am jealous because it is not so here in my school. The roads here are bad, I mean the type that can cause headache, stomachache if you just ate before boarding a cab. The cab drivers while trying to dodge potholes would tilt the buses here and there; one would think the head will fall off if the journey doesn't end anytime soon.
Multiple checkpoints is silly, it causes unnecessary delay and hindrance, especially when there are same force appearing more than twice on the same 15-30mins journey.
It's good to hear there's a state in Nigeria with little traffic/ bad roads but I think there'll soon be bad roads if the drainage system is not taken care of.
Multiple checkpoints is not reasonable, I don't understand why that is anyway
Oh yeah, I know of the many checkpoints in Imo roads.
I don't know, maybe I'm wrong,....the traffic officers are worst and shouldn't be there abeg
I think majority of government contractors here in Nigeria doesn't know the usefulness of good drainage system. It's just so annoying that the rain won't be heavy and everywhere will be flooded.
Also, instead of traffic officer the government of your state can install traffic lights with this the officers wouldn't be needed again to direct the traffic.
WOW 😲! I am proud of Imo state. At least there is a state that has little problem when it comes to bad road. Unlike some states around us in the north, the roads are too bad, all we do is manage every day.
Thanks for sharing
It's the same in my place also. In the rainy season, we face trouble with a proper drainage system. I wish the government would take steps for the issues.