The House of Representatives on Tuesday, October 10, asked the federal Ministry of Works to lease with the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) to address the deplorable nature of federal roads in Edo state which has caused serious chaos in the state
In a resolution following a motion on notice by Lawmakers from Edo state, the House also asked the Ministry of Works, NDDC, and Federal Road Maintenance Agency to come up with a workable modality that will ensure the speedy construction of the roads.
The motion was sponsored by Hon. Julius O. Ihonvbere, Hon. Peter Akpatason, Hon. Dennis Idahosa, Hon Marcus Onobun, Hon. Okojie Henry, Hon. Sunday Dekeri, Hon. Lyawe Esosa, Hon. Osawaru Billy and Hon. Omoruyi Murphy Osaro.
Leading the debate on the motion, Leader of the House, Prof. Julius Ihonvbare disclosed that the federal highways in Edo State connecting the South-South to parts of the South East, South West, and Northern regions are in poor condition, causing concern for daily motorists.
He said the State serves as a transit point or drive-through for travellers, connected to the East via Ewu/Uronigbe/Agbor/Asaba roads, the West via Uzebba_Ifon/Ofosu/Okada/Ovia roads, and the North via Auchi/Ekpoma/Benin and Afuze/Sabongidda Ora/Sobe roads.
According to him, the state is facing serious threats of being cut off from the rest of the country, causing significant economic embodiment, as several failed portions on various routes have become a nightmare for travellers.
He said further that the roads in the state are strategically located between the South, East, West, and Northern regions, collectively produce over 45% of agricultural produce, and are the highest producer of granulated cassava.
Ihonvbare said the roads serve as major gateways to Edo State Government-owned Universities, including Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, Federal Polytechnic Auchi, College of Education, Igueben, and the University of Benin, providing knowledge and sustainable future endeavours.
He expressed concern that the gradual degradation and abandonment of the road over the years is causing commercial buses and motorcyclists to abandon it for alternative routes, causing widespread dissatisfaction.
He said that the deplorable state of the road has caused chaos and insecurity, leading to avoidable deaths through armed robbery, kidnappings, accidents, and traffic jams, imposing inconveniences and danger to communities and the state