By Elo Edremoda, Warri
Residents, alongside motorists in Warri and Effurun cities have defied the lockdown directive of the Delta State Government.
The Nation observed that a number of commercial operators, tricycle riders and bus drivers, have commenced normal operations along major routes within the twin cities despite the security check points spotted at strategic locations.
There is also a 100 per cent hike in transportation fares within the town.
Commercial operators, who spoke with The Nation, explained the hike is due to the monies they have to give to security agents who man the various check points.
“We have to give them a minimum of N100 to pass through, so definitely, the fare price will increase. That N100 will last for three trips, then I have to pay again,” said a tricycle rider who preferred to be anonymous.
Another who conveyed passengers from the popular, Jakpa to Enerhen Junction, said: “we don’t have a choice now. If we can give them money for us to work a little and take something home, then we will.”
A bus ride from Effurun Round through NPA Expressway to New Port which used to be N100 was pegged at N200.
Another trip from the latter point to Main Market costs N100, instead of N50.
From Enerhen to Jakpa Junction cost N100, against N50, from the latter point to PTI Junction N150 or N200, depending on your bargaining strength.
Interactions with some residents revealed a misunderstanding of the lockdown directive by Governor Ifeanyi Okowa over the 14-day extension.
Most walked without nose masks or other devised protective kits.
Some persons said that in the new order, movements are allowed on Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays.
But the Governor, in his broadcast, announced markets in the respective schools across the state are to operate within the mentioned days only, adding that all other directives remained the same.
Leave a Reply