By Patrick Obia
A bill to strengthen the operations of the Vehicle Inspection Officers (VIO) has been read a second time on the floor of the Cross River State House of Assembly.
The bill tagged “the Cross River State Motor Vehicle Administration Directorate Bill 2020” 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, Hon. Hilary Bisong leading the debate during plenary, expressed concern over the presence of the Federal Road Safety Corps (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, motorists 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 the Calabar metropolis.
The Speaker, 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.
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