BILL TO STRENGTHEN OPERATIONS OF VIOs PASSES SECOND READING

BY ITAM OFFOR

A Bill to strengthen the operations of the Vehicle Inspection Officers (VIOs) has been read a second time on the floor of the State House of Assembly.

Tagged ‘’the Cross River State Motor Vehicle Administration  Directorate Bill 2020’’ the Bill seeks to facilitate the  establishment of a directorate which will serve as a regulatory and enforcement body to  ensure effective motor vehicle administration in the State.

Sponsor of the Bill, Rt Hon Hilary Bisong leading the debate during plenary, expressed concern over the presence of the Federal Road Safety Corp (FRSC) on internal roads within Calabar metropolis calling on the FRSC to limit their operations only to federal highways in line with their mandate.

According to Bisong, the FRSC mandate is to, ‘’prevent or minimize accident on the highways and educate drivers and motorist and other members of the public on the use of the highway’’.

Bisong further stated that if passed, the law will make the Directorate a revenue generating agency which will boost the dwindling resources of the State as well as generate employment opportunities for Cross Riverians.

Members noted that the Bill will enhance the transportation sector, ensure standards, security and safety and facilitate effective road maintenance within Calabar metropolis.

The Speaker, Rt Hon Eteng Williams subsequently committed the Bill to the House committee on Transport and Marine Services for further legislative action with a directive to report back within two weeks.