Governor Oborevwori Concerned Over Hardship on Benin-Asaba Highway, Delta Govt Assures Relief

ASABA/Nigeria: The Delta State Government has expressed deep concern over the hardship faced by motorists on the Benin-Asaba highway, particularly at the failed sections of the road. Governor Sheriff Oborevwori is said to be “seriously disturbed” by the ongoing difficulties, according to the State Commissioner for Works (Rural and Riverine Roads), Mr. Charles Aniagwu.

Aniagwu made this known on Tuesday while addressing journalists at Dennis Osadebay Way in Asaba. He lamented the impact of the failed portions of the federal road, noting that the diversion of heavy-duty trucks onto internal roads in Asaba is taking a toll on their durability.

Despite numerous interventions by the state government on federal roads through inter-ministerial approaches, Aniagwu acknowledged that much more still needed to be done. He called for patience from the public as the government waits for the rainy season to subside before addressing internal road repairs.

“The condition of the federal road has created additional challenges for us in the city, especially along Dennis Osadebay Way,” Aniagwu explained. “The diversions are causing serious damage to our internal roads. We are hopeful that by November, as the rains ease off, we will carry out repairs on our inner roads. We ask our people to remain patient.”

Aniagwu, who earlier inspected the rehabilitation efforts on the Benin-Asaba highway at Bonsaac and Ezenei junction, commended the Federal Government for responding to the public’s outcry with prompt intervention. Flanked by key officials, including the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Sir Festus Ahon, and the Acting Federal Comptroller of Works, Engr. Matthew Ogar, Aniagwu emphasized the need for quick action to alleviate the stress on commuters.

“The stress caused by the state of this road is not only damaging our internal roads but also subjecting Nigerians to unnecessary hardship,” Aniagwu said. “This road is a crucial artery connecting the South East to other parts of the country, and we hope that the Federal Government will ensure that it doesn’t reach this level of disrepair before intervention.”

Aniagwu urged the contractor handling the road to provide floodlights for night work and appealed for motorists’ cooperation to allow for smooth and rapid progress.

Responding to a viral video of a protest in Sapele about the poor condition of a local road, Aniagwu dismissed claims that Governor Oborevwori ordered the protester’s arrest. He clarified that the government welcomes citizens’ right to demand better infrastructure but assured the public that significant work is already underway in Sapele.

“We are constructing 16km of roads across 12 different streets in Sapele as part of the Governor’s MORE Agenda,” Aniagwu said. “It’s unfortunate that some people may feel their street is neglected, but we are working across the entire state. The Governor did not order any arrest; we believe in addressing the concerns of our people.”

Aniagwu also pointed out that flood control measures, such as the construction of storm drainages, are being implemented alongside road projects to mitigate the effects of seasonal flooding.

The Acting Federal Comptroller of Works, Mr. Ogar, further highlighted the strategic importance of the Benin-Asaba road, particularly its link to the Onitsha market. He reassured the public that a contract had been awarded for the road’s reconstruction from the Onitsha bridgehead to Alifikede, the boundary town between Delta and Edo states.

Ogar concluded by affirming that the government is committed to finding a permanent solution, including the construction of drainage along the affected corridor.