The House of Representatives on Tuesday, October 10, asked the Federal Ministry of Works to liaise 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 would ensure speedy construction of the roads.
The motion was sponsored by Hon. Julius O. Ihonvbere, Hon. Peter Akpatason, Hon. Dennis Idahosa, and Hon Marcus Onobun.
Others are 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 were in poor condition, causing concern for motorists.
He said the state served 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
According to him, the state was facing serious threats of being cut off from the rest of the country, causing significant economic impediment, as several failed portions on various routes had become a nightmare for travellers.
He said further that the roads in the state were strategically located between the South, East, West, and northern regions, collectively producing over 45% of agricultural produce, and were the highest producer of granulated cassava.
Ihonvbare said the roads served 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.
The lawmaker expressed concern that the gradual degradation and abandonment of the roads over the years were 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.
