DSCTDA launches an illegal street trading crackdown in Asaba to improve road safety, ease traffic congestion, and restore the city’s urban image

The Director General of the Delta State Capital Territory Development Agency, Mr Patrick Ukah, has launched an illegal street trading crackdown across Asaba, ordering a wide scale enforcement operation against roadside structures and unauthorised trading activities in the state capital.

Also read: Lagos Man sentenced to community service for illegal waste dumping

The enforcement exercise, which commenced last week, is being carried out by the DSCTDA Task Force as part of a broader urban renewal and environmental sanitation drive aimed at improving road safety, easing traffic congestion, and preserving the aesthetic appeal of Asaba as a modern capital city.

Areas affected by the operation include Akpu Junction, Marble Hill Junction, the Arcade and Ogbeogonogo Market axis, Maryam Babangida Way, Okpanam Road near the NTA, Okpanam Road by the State House of Assembly, Inter Bau Roundabout, Ibusa Road by Slot, and the Nnebisi Road corridor.

DSCTDA officials said illegal trading and makeshift structures had encroached on road setbacks, pedestrian walkways, and drainage channels in these locations.

Speaking on the exercise, Mr Ukah described the operation as a decisive and long overdue step to reclaim public spaces and restore order in the capital territory.

Mr Ukah said the unchecked spread of roadside trading posed serious risks to motorists and pedestrians while undermining traffic flow and environmental standards.

Mr Ukah stressed that the enforcement was not directed at individuals but focused on restoring sanity and ensuring compliance with existing environmental and traffic regulations.

Mr Ukah advised affected traders to relocate to government approved and designated markets, warning that the operation would be sustained and extended to other areas if violations persist.

Beyond the removal of illegal structures, the Agency has intensified routine sweeping and sanitation along major road corridors, with particular attention given to the Mammy Market and Traffic Light axis.

The move is intended to maintain cleanliness and prevent the re emergence of illegal activities.

The sanitation exercise was supervised by the Head of Environment at DSCTDA, Mr Isaac Nwosu, who said monitoring teams have been deployed to ensure continued compliance and safeguard the gains recorded from the illegal street trading crackdown.

Mr Nwosu urged residents, traders, and commuters to cooperate with the Agency by obeying environmental laws and keeping their surroundings clean.

Also read: Imumolen declares Adeleke’s accord nomination illegal

Mr Ukah reaffirmed DSCTDA’s commitment to building a clean, safe, and orderly capital territory, emphasising that a well organised Asaba remains essential to the image, growth, and sustainable development of Delta State.