It is unusual to note that 6 days into 2020, streets of Owerri in Imo State are still deserted.
The streets have been like that for about 7 days counting with many shops and businesses still under lock and key as business owners are believed to still be in their hometowns for Christmas and New Year celebrations.
As shop owner who spoke to OtownGist said that normalcy will likely return on Monday January 10 as schools are expected to resume for the year.
Civil servants who in most cases keep the roads are busy are hardly seen around secretariats with one saying that everything will become normal on Monday.
“People normally extend their holiday, maybe take a week off into the new year depending on the nature of the calendar, but for sure almost everyone will be here by Monday” he said.
Despite being the commercial hub of the state, people still find it difficult to get some things done because shops are still locked and a woman who described the situation as frustrating said that she has been walking around streets because the usual shops she uses are not yet open.
“I wonder if they are taking their businesses seriously”, she said, adding that people should understand that celebrations are over and business has resumed.
“January is not your friend, so they should be here already”, another lady said. “After excess enjoyment and spending people will return and start complaining about hardship”
In Imo State and across the country it is expected that both road and air routes will be very busy this weekend with Sunday tipped to be the busiest.
If nothing is done by the Traffic Unit of the Nigeria Police as well as the Federal Road Safety Commission between Friday and Sunday, it is expected that road users will suffer great delays along Orlu–Owerri road; Okigwe-Owerri road and Umuahia-Mbaise-Owerri road.
With few users these roads and other in Imo State have witnessed serious gridlocks and drastic increase in transport fare despite fuel pump price remaining the same.
It is expected that both transport fare and gridlock will increase on these roads over the weekend, some government agencies concerned should but into consideration and do something about.
