By Okechukwu Onuegbu
Anambra state government, Saturday, said it was set to establish a mechanic village as part of the efforts to decongest streets and residential areas in line with planned urban renewal project.
The state Commissioner for Transport, Barrister Patricia Igwebuike disclosed this at one-day training and sensitisation program held in Awka for operators of auto service centres, auto spare parts dealers, auto mechanic and technicians, motor vehicle and caterpillar dealers and Keke dealers among others, on their proposed licencing.
Igwebuike, represented by the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Chief Michael Obiekwe, also explained that with organised mechanic village, spaces would be allotted to dealers in line of trade and services with spelt out demarcations.
She urged stakeholders to key into the new policy of obtaining licence from the government for their various workshops and businesses to regulate their operations for betterment of all.
Stakeholders had during the meeting urged Governor Chukwuma Soludo to quickly set machinery in motion to establish mechanic villages in the state, where mechanics could site their workshops to render services to the citizens.
A consultant at the event and Coordinator of Special Trade Licence, Anambra State Ministry of Transport, Prince Fidelis Nnadi, hailed the government for the new policy, which according to him, would bring safety of lives and property in the state.
Others, including the Head of Transport Operations, Anambra State Ministry of Transport, Mr Christian Okeke, and Chief Vehicle Inspection Officer, Mr MacDonald Achuam, said the program was necessary to enlightene participants about relevant laws that affect their operations and enhanced their exposures.