Apowa (W/R), Jan. 9,-GNA-One hundred and sixty articulated trucks loaded with dry cocoa beans have been re-located to a new transit point at Apowa near Takoradi. The re-location was aimed at decongesting the twin-city, which had been packed with over 670 trucks.

The trucks, apart from the danger they posed to other road users, were also creating several environmental and social problems for the assembly. Briefing the media at Apowa on Wednesday, Superintendent Victor Adusa-Poku, of the Western Regional Motor Transport and Traffic Unit (MTTU) of the Police said the Shama Ahanta East Metropolitan Assembly, engaged their assistance for a 10-day period and the operation was expected to end on January 10.

He said the trucks, which had brought cocoa for shipment, have taken over all major roads within the metropolis and the situation was creating anxiety and danger to residents. Superintendent Adusa-Poku said the transit point at Apowa could easily accommodate 800 articulated trucks and ease the burden on the city centre. He said the drivers have been educated to remain there until it got to their turn to discharge their products at the harbour. Superintendent Adusa-Poku said drivers who flout the directive and enter the city would be arrested and prosecuted. He hinted that the new transit point, which is being constructed by COCOBOD, have wash room, rest rooms, canteen and other service facilities to enable them to live decently as they wait for their turn.

The Commander said the lack of a garage within the harbour coupled with the registration of trucks within the harbour had contributed to the present situation. Superintendent Adusa-Poku said oil spillage, cooking under the trucks, sleeping in the open, washing and bathing behind the trucks could expose the drivers, mates and other road users to disaster in case of a fire outbreak.

He appealed for the construction of more warehouses to ease the perennial congestion at the harbour.