BY DINMA BIGWA
A resident of Asaba, Mr. Kingsley Ike Ugwunwa, has said that heavy trucks are now diverting to internal roads in Asaba and damaging them.
“Moreover, the internal roads in Asaba are being destroyed by these heavy trucks, which no longer use the expressway and instead cut through our communities, causing more accidents”, he said. “Some internal roads in the Delta State capital, especially the Bonsaac axis of the Asaba-Onitsha expressway can be put in better condition.
Speaking to our correspondent, Ugwunwa said more drainages can be provided to curb resulting damage to surrounding roads. “I use the Bonsaac Road daily, and its condition can be made better..
‘’There are no gutters or drainage systems for now, and this could lead to frequent accidents. He pointed to the worsening state of the road leading into Asaba from Onitsha, through the Abraka axis, a key entrance to Asaba from the eastern part of the country. “The road has been cut off, and I’m not sure if the authorities have taken notice. I urge the Federal Government to step in. The previous work done here (Bonsaac axis) was substandard, and now people’s goods and services are suffering because of it,” he said.
Ugwunwa also highlighted the increasing cost of transportation between Asaba and Onitsha due to heavy traffic.
“The transport fare to Onitsha has tripled. It now takes two to three hours to get through the traffic”, he observed.
Comparing the situation to neighboring states, Ugwunwa urged the state government to prioritize capital city development and called on the Ministry of Environment to enhance efforts in keeping Asaba clean and presentable.
