FG Begins Emergency Repairs on Benin-Asaba Road, Oborevwori Reacts

Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has welcomed the Federal Government’s emergency intervention on the Benin-Asaba Road, describing it as a major step towards restoring the critical economic corridor.

Oborevwori, represented by the Commissioner for Works (Rural Roads) and Public Information, Mr Charles Aniagwu, spoke at the “Operation Rescue Benin-Asaba Road” exercise in Benin City.

Aniagwu said the deteriorating highway had subjected motorists, commuters and businesses to prolonged hardship, stressing its importance to the economies of Delta and Edo states and the wider South-South and South-East regions.

He commended President Bola Tinubu and Minister of Works, Senator Dave Umahi, for the intervention and urged contractors to expedite the repairs.

Umahi said the emergency rehabilitation would begin from the Edo axis, with equipment deployed from contractors operating along the corridor. He said the immediate intervention was expected to restore the road within four weeks.

The minister also disclosed that President Tinubu had directed the redesign of the entire 136-kilometre Benin-Asaba dual carriageway with reinforced concrete pavement as part of the long-term reconstruction plan.

According to Umahi, the Federal Government intervened after efforts to get the concessionaire to continue the project failed.

Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, also welcomed the intervention and urged those handling the project to maintain quality, adhere to specifications and ensure timely completion.

The Benin-Asaba Road is a major transportation link between the South-South and South-East. Its deteriorated sections and resulting gridlock have disrupted the movement of people and goods in recent months.

The emergency repairs are expected to provide immediate relief to road users while the Federal Government proceeds with plans for the corridor’s long-term reconstruction.