10th November, 2011
Motorists in Enugu have expressed mixed feelings over the proposed return of toll gates on Federal Highways.
While some applauded the decision, others said it was not the most needed project that would improve the living standard of the masses.
Mr. Chimezie Iloduba, a Public Affairs Analyst, said the return of the toll gates was long overdue.
According to him, the management of the gates should be handled by reputable firms that will maintain such roads with funds generated.
“It will assist the government to easily maintain federal roads in the six geo-political zones without waiting for inclusion in the budget or subject to release of funds.
“When this fund is generated, the firm will urgently repair damaged portions of roads before they escalate to unmanageable proportion,†he said.
Mr. Onyekwelu Nwankwo, another respondent, said the toll gates would also act as security posts and provide succour for motorists, whose vehicles might develop faults.
He, however, cautioned that the toll gates could be converted to mechanic villages or loading bay for articulated vehicles and long distance drivers, as was the case in the past.
Mr. Kingsley Ezeadim, a commercial driver, said the government should first rehabilitate the roads posing death traps to travellers on the highways.
According to him, the reintroduction of the toll gates would contribute unnecessary holdups in view of the sluggish manner in which the ticket sellers attend to motorists.
Mrs. Nkemdili Eke, an educationist, said the reintroduction was not necessary as Nigerians were looking up to the Federal Government to reduce the economic hardship in the country.
Eke noted that the establishment of the toll gates would only enrich the pockets of privileged Nigerians without the roads being maintained.
She advised the government to put in necessary machinery to forestall the diversion of funds generated from the toll gates.