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The roads in most parts of Nigeria have gone from bad to worst as commuters in Asaba, Delta State capital, have called on the relevant authorities to swiftly fix the deplorable Asaba-Onitsha expressway to ease the burden on motorists and residents.
It was learnt that roads, especially the Koka flyover to the Asaba-Onitsha tollgate had been in a deplorable state and a complete failure due to the inability of motorists to access it.
Speaking on the situation, a taxi driver, Kingsley Uwa, who bemoaned the dilapidated state of the road, appealed to the federal and Delta state government to address the ugly trends.
He said, “It is bad that over four months now, we are suffering from this road without attention from the government.
“You can see the heavy traffic occasioned by the collapsed road. Everybody treks, or they must fall or hit another person because of the bad road. We are begging both the federal government and the state government to help us.”
Also, a shuttle bus driver, Mr. Charles Jibunor, called on the Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, to repair the failed portions of the road to ease the suffering of the residents and indigenes.
He said, “The Governor of Delta State, Sheriff Oborevwori, is not paying attention to the road. We know that it is a federal road, but it passes through Delta State.
“Imagine the look of the Delta State capital, Asaba. Most of the people plying the road are majorly Deltans, and he doesn’t care about our sufferings.
“A journey of 20 minutes will take you over two hours because of traffic jam. Every day, we are in one mechanic workshop or another, even the traders at the building material shops along the road are suffering because of poor patronage as a result of the bad road.”
Following the groaning of commuters about the bad roads, a rights activist, Mr Victor Ojei, has petitioned the Federal Government.
In an open letter addressed to the Minister of Works, David Umahi, and the Federal Roads Maintenance Agency, Delta State, Ojei called for immediate action on the road.
Ojei, who is the lead activist for Young Nigerian Rights Organisation, frowned upon the negligence of FERMA in the state.
The activist stated, “The Young Nigerian Rights Organisation, a civil society organisation committed to advocating the rights and well-being of citizens, expresses our deep concern regarding the alarming state of federal roads in Delta State. It is with a sense of urgency that we call on the Minister of Works and FERMA Delta State to account for their critical responsibility to ensure safe and passable roads for Nigerians.
“Despite the funds allocated for road maintenance, many federal roads in Delta State remain in deplorable conditions, posing significant risks to the lives of motorists, commuters, and residents.
“Numerous reports and complaints from road users highlight the hazards posed by potholes, erosion, and the neglect of critical infrastructure. These issues not only compromise road safety but also impede economic activities and development.”
He noted that as an agency tasked with maintaining federal roads, FERMA was mandated to regularly inspect, repair, and rehabilitate roads to ensure they meet acceptable standards.
“Explain the delay in addressing these long-standing road issues, especially along the Asaba-Benin Expressway (Koka flyover by Conoil junction, the Asaba-Onitsha Expressway, Ezenei Avenue by Bonsaac junction, the Asaba-Onitsha Expressway) in Delta State,” the petition concluded.
Ojei said the safety and well-being of Nigerian citizens must remain a top priority.
