By David Akinadewo-Adekahunsi 

Ondo State Government has issued a directive for the immediate removal of illegal structures at car parks across the state.

This decision, aimed at restoring the original purpose of the facilities and alleviating traffic congestion, was announced by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Transport, Sir Segun Odusanya, during a meeting with Off-Street Park Consultants in Akure, the state capital.

Sir Odusanya lamented that many car parks, initially built to provide convenient parking spaces for shoppers and reduce road traffic, have been converted into makeshift markets.

He emphasised that the government is determined to reclaim these spaces and restore order in line with their intended purpose.

As part of the restructuring, tricycle operators currently operating outside designated areas have been directed to relocate to specific parks.

The new arrangements are as follows: operators around Arakale are to move to Sammy Park; those near Isikan Market are to relocate to Isikan Park; operators along Adedeji and Provisions Store Junction are to move to Adedeji Park; tricycle operators at NEPA Roundabout and Hospital Road are to relocate to NEPA Park; while those at Olukayode, Old Garage, Post Office, Texaco, Obanla Junction, and Ijomu Junction are to move to Democracy Park.

Speaking on behalf of the Off-Street Park Consultants, Mr Kofoworola Akinjo, expressed gratitude to the state government for entrusting them with the management of these parks.

He assured the government that all illegal structures would be removed promptly and pledged continued collaboration to ensure the parks operate effectively.

The Ondo State Ministry of Transport has assured residents that these measures will bring much-needed relief to the state’s roads and contribute to a more organised urban environment.