Despite the increase in the pump price of fuel, from N165 to N260, heavy vehicular traffic is being experienced in Onitsha and environs since the beginning of this week, forcing people to trek long distances.
The vehicular gridlock, which is noticeable in all the major roads to and from Onitsha, is attributed to the last minute shopping for Christmas celebration, especially by those coming into the state from other states, to Onitsha Main market.
According to a trader from Warri, Delta State, who simply identified herself as Roseline, the traffic was noticeable as soon as she crossed the Niger bridge into Onitsha, on her way to Main market through Niger Street.
“The 2nd Niger Bridge is a big relief to us because traffic at the old bridge has been lessened. As I was coming from Warri to make some purchases in Oniitsha, my mind was on the heavy motor traffic I will experience, but on getting there at the bridge, traffic was light, and on inquiry I was told that since the opening of the 2nd Niger bridge that traffic flow has been divided between the two bridges, thank God,” she said.
Also lamenting the traffic gridlock, a driver from Owerri, Imo State capital, Mr.Ojemba Okanyi, said that he left Owerri about 6am but got to Onitsha by 10am, stating that ordinarily, it is a journey of less than two hours.
“I left Owerri by 6am but got to Onitsha by 10am because of gridlock at Oba junction, and the bad portion of Onitsha/Owerri road, from Mgbuka Obosi 2nd gate to Obodoukwu road, Upper Iweka. Road users will suffer a lot this yuletide if nothing is done about the road,” he warned.
Those coming from Awka, through the Old road, experienced similar gridlock as people started trekking from People’s club to Savoy junction, on their way to Onitsha Main market.
A tricycle operator who pleaded anonymity said that he regretted driving through the Old road as he stayed for two hours due to the traffic.
“I regretted driving through the Old road because the expressway is always better. The Old road has adjoining streets and vehicles in their large number always come out from the streets, thereby worsening the situation,” he said.