The Edo Refinery and Petrochemical Limited has undertaken palliative work on the Benin-Sapele highway in Delta State to prevent trucks and heavy-duty vehicles from falling into failed sections of the road. The repair work was done at various sections, including Iyanomo, Ekosa, Obayantor Ologbo, and Koko junction. This effort aims to ensure safe passage for commuters and facilitate the smooth operation of the refinery.
According to Segun Okeini, Head of Technical Operations of the Edo Refinery, the intervention was prompted by a tragic incident five years ago when an oil tanker carrying PMS fell into a bad spot in Ologbo, resulting in a fire that killed over 20 persons. The firm acted promptly to repair the spot after the accident. Okeini stated that the failed portions of the road had been affecting the refinery's operations, as tankers spent days on the highway before gaining access to the refinery to load products.
The Edo Refinery's intervention on the Benin-Sapele highway is part of its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) to the communities around the area. Okeini explained that the refinery is located just two kilometers ahead of the road section and that the firm's chairman authorized the repair work after witnessing the level of damage to the road. He noted that the repair work would not directly affect the refinery's production but would ensure that trucks can access the facility without hindrance.
Solomon Uyiekpen, Managing Director of SODEOSA Global Resources, collaborated with the Edo Refinery to fix the road as a CSR to the communities. Uyiekpen acknowledged that commuters experienced suffering on the road before the intervention. The repair work has brought relief to commuters and residents of the area, who had been experiencing difficulties due to the poor state of the road.
A member of the Obayantor community, Kennedy Nwazekwu, expressed gratitude for the repair work, noting that it would stop incessant accidents on the road. Nwazekwu recalled that over 20 persons had been killed when their vehicles fell into the ditch. The community member expressed hope that the repair work would improve safety and reduce the risk of accidents on the road.
The palliative work on the Benin-Sapele highway is a significant intervention that would ease transportation and reduce the risk of accidents. The Edo Refinery's effort demonstrates its commitment to CSR and its role in supporting the development of the communities around its operations. The repair work would also facilitate the smooth operation of the refinery and ensure that trucks can access the facility without hindrance.
The collaboration between the Edo Refinery and SODEOSA Global Resources on the repair work highlights the importance of partnership in addressing community challenges. The intervention on the Benin-Sapele highway is a testament to the impact that collaboration and CSR initiatives can have on improving the lives of communities.
Key points
- The Edo Refinery undertook palliative work on the Benin-Sapele highway to prevent accidents and ease transportation.
- The repair work was prompted by a tragic incident five years ago that killed over 20 persons.
- The intervention is part of the refinery's Corporate Social Responsibility to the communities around its operations.
