The Ministry of Transport and Infrastructural Development has committed to the removal of illegal billboards and the initiation of an audit of all billboards to verify their legal status.
In recent times, the country’s trunk roads under the Ministry’s jurisdiction have become inundated with numerous billboards, detracting from road signs and causing unnecessary confusion for motorists.
In a press release issued yesterday, the Ministry expressed concern over the unchecked proliferation of billboards along the country’s trunk roads, particularly in urban areas.
“The Ministry of Transport and Infrastructural Development is alarmed by the recent surge in illegal billboards along and within the road reserves of the country’s trunk roads, which fall under the Ministry’s purview, managed by the Department of Roads,” the statement read.
The erection of billboards is regulated by Section 48 of the Roads Act {Chapter 13:18}, which governs and restricts trade or any commercial activities within the road reserves of trunk roads administered by the Ministry.
Permission from the Department of Roads is required for the erection of billboards, as well as for trade or manufacturing activities for the sale of goods.
To restore order, the Ministry has halted the issuance of permits for billboard erection while it conducts a comprehensive audit and removes illegally erected structures.
In urban areas, local authorities have their own by-laws outlining the procedures for erecting billboards.
The Ministry’s effort to clear road reserves of billboards is commendable. Local authorities are encouraged to follow suit, ensuring cleaner and safer cities for all.
