Sigh of Relief, As Edo Senators Urge Federal Government To Fix Failed Portion Of Benin-Auchi Road
By: Oriaifoh Godwins
The Senators representing Edo North and Edo Central Senatorial districts, Senators Adams Aliu Oshiomhole, and Senator Monday Okpebholo, respectively, has called on the Federal Government to as a matter of urgency, direct the contractors responsible for the dualisation of the Benin Auchi road to return to site immediately.
Speaking at the plenary, Senator Adams Oshiomhole who moved the motion, urged the Federal Executive Council, FEC, for ratification, and that the Ministry of Works and Housing to commence repairs on the failed portions of the road, drawing from the 75 Billion Naira approved by the immediate past President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Senator Oshiomhole also urged the Federal Government to provide adequate funding for the dualisation of the road, and come up with a plan to settle all legal issues with the contractors, bordering on the dualisation of the roads. He also urged the Federal Government to renew the terms and conditions of the contract, to meet current realities of inflation.
Seconding the motion, the Senator representing Edo central Senatorial district, Senator Monday Okpebholo, aka, Akpakomiza, said; ‘…we are totally cut-off because you can’t travel to that zone of the country without passing through the Ekpoma-Benin axis of the highway. Again, you must pass through the Ewu axis of the road when coming from the North. Mr. President, I must tell you that, day and night, accidents occur on that road, and our people are in deep pains…’
‘…to travel on the road on a journey that ordinarily should last for thirty minutes, one can be there for four hours…’
‘…Over ten thousand trailers are parked on that road; this is giving room to animals that are being transported on that road to be dying as a result of lack of water and food. This can lead to a breakout of epidemic as a result of dead animals…’
Continuing, Senator Okpebholo appealed to the Senate for Dantata & Sawoe to be invited to explain to Nigerians why the road, the contract of which was awarded over twelve years ago, has still not been completed, saying; ‘…I have not seen where Dantata & Sawoe has been able to construct half a kilometer of the road…I think it is important for us to invite Dantata & Sawoe and GIG Companies; I have not seen their presence on that road, and I am sure these people have collected money…’
In his ruling, the Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio, Said; ‘…in Prayer one, I urge the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, to grant approval for the augmentation of cost on the roads, through the Federal Ministry of Works and Housing, pending the constitution of the Federal Executive Council for ratification…those who are in support of this Prayer, say iiiiiiii……those against, say nayyyyy... the I’s have it’