By ODEYA OGBETUO
The Ethiope Chambers of Commerce has urged the Federal Government of Nigeria to urgently embark on the rehabilitation of Warri-Benin Expressway to alleviate the pains and suffering of businessmen and travelers using that road.
In a press release duly signed by the President of the Chambers, Chief Emma Avworo and made available to newsmen in Warri, Delta State, called on the Federal Government to dispatch emergency repair teams to the dilapidated highway and make the road motorable.
Chief Avworo noted that in the past few months, the one-hour journey from Warri to Benin now takes five to seven hours, with lorries and trucks spending days at the worst sections of Ologbo road.
He further noted that situation is not only affecting passengers but also business in the area, adding that the cost of transportation has tripled as goods and vehicles are damaged.
The Chambers boss stated that the situation will discourage investors, as lack of adequate road network will not encourage potential investors who cannot find outlet for their finished products nor roads through which to transport raw materials.
He also specifically noted that the sections of the road from Ibada-Elume to Sapele, Amukpe, Oghara and Mosagar Palm Wine Joint also characterized with craters, potholes and gullies on both sides of the highway as the heavy rains has worsen the situation with heavy trucks as well as trailers get stuck resulting into long queues thereby increasing the pains of commuters.
“A critical portion of the Warri-Benin highway at Oghara to Ologbo and Benin end of the road remains a nightmare. A journey that usually takes one hour now takes 6 to 7 hours with waste of precious time and money, obviously travelling by road between Benin and Warri has become a nightmare for travelers.”
Chief Avworo pleaded with the Federal Ministry of Works to urgently heed this appeal as the road is now totally cut off, while the alternative Sapele-Agbor Road is also in a sorry state especially between Eku and Agbor, he added.
