Besides the mandatory security of lives and properties as enshrined in the constitution, the federal government is responsible for fixing the Asaba-Onitsha expressway and many other federal roads currently in deplorable condition nationwide.
However, it is not just enough for the government to make provisions for the infrastructures, they must be built and maintained to ensure longevity and satisfy the yearnings of the populace at all times.
In past decades, infrastructure decay problems have occupied the front burner in the public discourse. There are no mincing words in contending that major infrastructure in the country are in deplorable conditions. Some also have become irretrievably bad that they cannot be salvaged through any means.
However, the most disturbing of all the conditions is road infrastructure, which should be accessed by every mobile individual and vehicle. Apart from aiding the movement of individuals through motor vehicles, it is also important in moving goods and services across communities, cities, and borders.
Incidentally, residents of Asaba, Delta State, and commuters plying the busy Asaba-Benin express road have been enmeshed in pains occasioned by the deplorable condition of the road at the Ezenei Junction by Bonsaac road axis and Okwe by former Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) junction axis both on a federal highway of Benin- Onitsha road. This particular road is a major link between the South and Eastern flank of the country. Through the same road, goods worth millions of naira are transported daily, to the popular Onitsha commercial markets in Anambra State which is believed to be the biggest in Africa.Because of its strategic importance in terms of the availability of various brands of goods, traders from across Nigeria and West Africa visit the Onitsha markets daily and majority of the visitors pass through the Asaba-Benin express road to reach their destinations. This makes the volume of traffic on the road remarkably heavy.Unfortunately, the point of the road has been eroded by erosion with deep potholes that stuck vehicles on one point for hours, until there is a rescue operation. While in the process, hundreds of vehicles are trapped, and thousands of inter-state travelers held up for several hours.
The Asaba- Benin road was constructed by the Federal Government more than 20 years ago. The same government is unarguably responsible for its maintenance, but the events of the past few weeks have exposed the lack of maintenance culture inherent in Federal Government activities.While the situation has persisted, the federal agency, the Federal Road Maintenance Agency (FERMA), responsible for rehabilitating the road seems to show indifference or disinterest in the face of public suffering.
In an ideal clime, the agency should prove to be proactive in responding to cases of deplorable road conditions and take action immediately to avoid road accidents ,waste of man hours and loss of property. However, its reaction came more than one month after commuters had experienced untold hardships, as it, recently, moved a contractor to one of the scenes for minor repairs.
It is painful to note that since the past few weeks, commuters on the road have gone through some traumatic experiences as some of them have had to trek from Niger Bridge Head, Onitsha, to Asaba sometimes at night time. Others have also had to ride on motorcycles, with the attendant risk as a result of heavy-duty motor vehicles also plying the ever busy road day and night.
Moreover, motorists drive through Asaba main city, mounting pressure on the road and causing high traffic and discomfort to road users. The volume of traffic can make the road degenerate and cave into patches of potholes soon.
The situation, which has caused untold hardship, is embarrassing and demands urgent action from the government. Therefore, the Minister of Works should make it a priority and visit the spots to assess the extent of damage and make provisions for its urgent repairs.
In the interim, the federal government, through FERMA, must rise to its responsibility by mobilizing more contractors and equipment to the two spots and commence palliative actions with pothole repair kits to make it motorable pending when major comprehensive work is done.Delta State has in the past undertaken repairs of roads in similar condition, and this is an example of a case that requires the state’s intervention through the Direct Labour Agency to assuage the sufferings of residents living in Ezenei, and Bonsaac, and those trading in Onitsha.
The Asaba-Benin road is strategic to both Delta and Federal governments and a step towards its rehabilitation will guarantee safety and comfort for teeming road users.
