The Federal Government and the Edo Refinery and Petrochemical Limited have commenced emergency repairs on the deteriorating Benin-Asaba and Benin-Sapele highways. This move aims to alleviate the prolonged hardship faced by motorists and prevent further accidents along these critical routes. The repairs follow President Bola Tinubu's order for an intervention on the 125-kilometre Benin-Asaba Road.
President Tinubu, represented by Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, inaugurated the emergency intervention on Thursday. He stated that the intervention was a response to the hardship suffered by road users on the critical highway linking Edo and Delta states with other parts of the country. The Benin-Asaba corridor had been concessioned under a Public-Private Partnership arrangement to the Benin-Asaba Expressway Concession Company, with an expectation of completion within three years.
However, Tinubu noted that the pace and manner of execution had fallen short of the terms of the concession agreement, resulting in worsening road conditions and hardship for motorists. He emphasized that today's intervention is truly a rescue operation. Okpebholo thanked Tinubu for responding to the concerns of commuters and communities along the corridor and commended the Minister of Works, David Umahi, for his commitment and personal intervention.
The Minister of Works, David Umahi, clarified that the Federal Ministry of Works had taken over the immediate palliative rehabilitation of the road in the interest of the public. He stated that more than 50 pieces of equipment had been deployed to the road, with additional equipment expected to be mobilized. Umahi said the government decided to intervene after efforts to secure the cooperation of the concessionaire failed.
Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, commended Tinubu for intervening to restore the road, which he described as an important link for commerce and cultural ties between the two states. Oborevwori stated that the road helps to connect commerce, culture, and bring the people together. He appreciated Tinubu for listening to the concerns of the people.
The Edo Refinery and Petrochemical Limited also began repair works on failed sections of the Benin-Sapele road. The palliative work was done at various sections of the road, such as Iyanomo, Ekosa, Obayantor Ologbo, and Koko junction in Delta State. The Head of Technical Operations of the Edo Refinery, Segun Okeni, said the intervention aimed to prevent a recurrence of an incident that happened five years ago when an oil tanker carrying petrol fell at one of the bad spots in Ologbo, resulting in a fire that killed over 20 people.
The repair work on the Benin-Sapele road has brought respite to some Edo residents and motorists. A member of the Obayantor community, Kennedy Nwazekwu, said the repair work would stop incessant accidents on the road. He stated that over 20 people have been killed when their vehicles fell into ditches on the road.
Key points
- President Bola Tinubu ordered an emergency intervention on the 125-kilometre Benin-Asaba Road.
- The Federal Government and Edo Refinery have deployed over 50 pieces of equipment for the repairs.
- The emergency repairs aim to alleviate hardship for motorists and prevent further accidents.
