Osun government outlaws road-side hawking
The Osun Government has outlawed the hawking items on the street and pedestrian walkways across the state.
This came in a statement signed by the Commissioner for Information and Civic Orientation, Funke Egbemode on Wednesday in Osogbo.
According to her, the ban comes in a bid to guarantee safety and security in the marketplace places.
Egbemode added that the incessant traffic jam along the major roads had necessitate the street hawking ban because it poses danger to the hawkers.
She said: “Osun State Government is worried about the increasing danger that roadside display of wares is posing to its residents and citizens.
“The State Executive Council today set up a Special Task Force to stop the trend.
“This team will pay unscheduled visits to the markets and arrest those obstructing traffic with their wares.
“The team will work with the Federal Road Safety Corps and other law enforcement agencies to ensure safety in our markets.
“The state can no longer fold its arms, while some traders in our markets, especially weekly markets, take over the motorways and pedestrian walkways with their wares.
“The ugly and unsafe trend must stop. This directive has become pertinent in view of increasing bottlenecks and security breaches along market corridors, with vehicular and pedestrian traffic now contending for space amid trading activities on the same spots,’’ she said.
Furthermore, the government had established a Special Task Force that would secure adherence with safe conducts in the markets and ensure the safety of road users.
“Government is, therefore, calling on all traders and their patrons to comply with this directive as the Task Force team will operate without prior notice and those arrested will be prosecuted swiftly.
“Traders and artisans, who have encroached on the main road and walkways with their wares are hereby directed to vacate such unauthorised trading spots with immediate effect.
“This move is in the interest of all residents, as the safety of Osun citizens remains a priority of the government.
“It is, therefore, necessary for all concerned to work with the government to end this unsafe practice,’’ she added.
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