By Izunna Okafor, Awka
As part of its strategic move to guarantee seamless traffic flow and enhance road safety across Anambra State during the yuletide season, the Anambra State Road Traffic Management Agency (ARTMA) has launched a special operation tagged “Operation Zero Traffic.”
The initiative, which was officially announced at the ARTMA State Headquarters in Awka, is designed to drastically reduce traffic congestion, prevent road crashes, and ensure safe and stress-free movement for residents, commuters, and visitors during the busy festive period.
Speaking during the flag-off, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of ARTMA, Engr. Emeka Okonkwo (Konti Komplete), explained that the operation entails intensified patrols, strict enforcement of traffic regulations, and strategic deployment of ARTMA personnel to critical junctions and high-traffic corridors across the state.
According to him, the essence of Operation Zero Traffic is to ensure that road users can move freely within the state and attend multiple social, religious, and recreational events without being trapped in avoidable traffic jams.
“We want to ensure that officers are fully on ground so that anyone coming into Anambra can conveniently attend three or four events in a day this festive period without being delayed by traffic,” he said.
Engr. Okonkwo emphasized the need for strict obedience to traffic rules, particularly traffic lights and road signs, noting that the Soludo-led administration has significantly overhauled traffic management infrastructure across the state.
He disclosed that Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo has installed new traffic lights at major junctions and intersections across Anambra, adding that motorists must strictly observe these signals to achieve the desired traffic-free environment.
“Once the light is red, you must stop behind the stop line. These stop lines are clearly marked before every traffic light across the state. There is no room for pardon,” he warned.
The ARTMA Boss further cautioned that violators of traffic rules would face stiff penalties, stressing that any vehicle impounded during enforcement would remain in ARTMA custody throughout the festive period.
“Once we enforce and impound your vehicle, it will stay in our premises all through the festive period. We want strict adherence to traffic signs and rules so that Anambra roads will remain traffic-free,” he stated.
He urged motorists to avoid reckless driving, respect speed limits, and exercise patience on the roads, describing responsible driving as a collective duty required to safeguard lives and property.
Engr. Okonkwo also announced the implementation of a revised officers’ shift structure—running from 7:00am to 1:30pm and 1:30pm to 8:00pm daily—which he said has proven effective in preventing gridlock, particularly when junctions are cleared before nightfall.
He commended ARTMA officers for their dedication and resilience, especially during the electioneering period, and congratulated Governor Soludo on his re-election, describing the governor’s massive infrastructural investments as a major boost to effective traffic management.
According to him, the construction of over 900 kilometres of roads, alongside improved road markings and signage, has significantly reduced congestion caused by poor road conditions, thereby making ARTMA’s task more effective.
The ARTMA Managing Director called on residents and visitors to cooperate fully with traffic officers and encouraged members of the public to promptly report traffic-related issues to ARTMA authorities.
He concluded by wishing Ndi Anambra and visitors a peaceful, safe, and joyful festive season, urging everyone to celebrate responsibly while obeying traffic regulations.
“Drive safely to stay alive,” he reminded road users.
