Onyeme Inspects Benin-Onitsha Expressway Repairs, Promises Quick Fix
ASABA/Nigeria: The Acting Governor of Delta State, Sir Monday Onyeme, has expressed optimism that the long-standing challenges faced by motorists along the Benin-Onitsha Expressway will soon be resolved as remedial works on the failed section of the road at the Asaba-Onitsha axis have commenced. Onyeme gave this assurance on Thursday during an on-the-spot assessment of the road, which has caused severe traffic disruptions in the area.
During his visit, Onyeme revealed that the contractor responsible for the repairs has assured him that one side of the dual carriageway will be completed soon, allowing for the resumption of traffic flow, pending the end of the rainy season. He noted that the repair efforts would provide much-needed relief for commuters and ease the pressure on internal roads in Asaba that have been used as alternative routes.
The Acting Governor also addressed the deteriorating condition of internal roads in Asaba, which have seen increased traffic due to the failed portions of the federal road. He disclosed that plans are underway to repair the internal roads, including Nnebisi Road, Dennis Osadebay Way, and sections of the Ibusa/Asaba road near the Koka Interchange.
“As you can see, we have inspected the failed portions of these roads, and we have noted areas in need of immediate attention. Our technical team is already working on the necessary paperwork, and we will return to those sites as soon as possible to ensure that repairs are completed quickly,” Onyeme said.
He explained that while the internal road network has served the people well over the years, the roads were not designed to handle the heavy traffic they have been subjected to due to the failure of the federal road. This, he said, has led to the failure of some sections, but the state government is committed to fixing the problem.
Onyeme commended the Federal Government for responding to the plight of the people by mobilizing contractors to fix the expressway. “We are pleased that work has started on the major failed portions of the expressway, and the contractor has assured us that within a week, the first lane will be remedied. After the rainy season, they will return to do more comprehensive repairs,” he said.
He added that once the federal road is fully repaired, it will significantly reduce the pressure on the internal roads in Asaba, and the state will focus on ensuring the internal roads are kept in good condition.
Addressing calls from some residents to restrict the movement of heavy-duty trucks on internal roads, Onyeme acknowledged the concerns but emphasized that such restrictions would have economic consequences. “We understand the calls for restricting trucks from using our internal roads, but with the expressway in its current state, we cannot stop them. These trucks are transporting goods that are vital to the economy, and many of them are driven by Deltans. We will continue to do our best while also calling on the Federal Government to fulfill their obligations,” Onyeme said.
He was accompanied on the road inspection by the Commissioner for Works (Urban Roads), Hon. Reuben Izeze; Commissioner for Information, Dr. Ifeanyi Osuoza; Director-General of the Asaba Capital Territory Development Agency, Chief Patrick Ukah; and the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Sir Festus Ahon, among other government officials.
