By DADA AYOKHAI
Residents of Etsako are protesting the worsening condition of the Auchi–Agbede stretch of the Benin–Abuja highway, which has further deteriorated during ongoing rehabilitation of the Ekpoma corridor.
At the heart of this controversy is BUA, a prominent local cement manufacturing company that operates a large cement plant in Okpella, located within the Etsako East local government area.
This stretch of road is crucial for both local and long-distance transit, making its poor condition a significant concern to many.
Due to the federal government’s initiative spearheaded by Engr. Dave Umahi, the Minister of Works, aimed to stimulate road construction through tax incentives for corporations, BUA has been tasked with repairing the damaged 30-kilometre stretch of the Benin-Abuja highway.
Residents of the Etsako axis have accused BUA of exacerbating road conditions by utilising its heavy-duty trucks to transport construction materials from its base in Okpella to the Ekpoma worksite.
As the trucks traverse the roads in Etsako, significant damage is inflicted on already fragile roadways, leading to further deterioration of infrastructure that was already under strain.
Moreover, the impact of these heavy-duty vehicles extends beyond the immediate vicinity, with reports indicating that sections of the expressway, particularly in Auchi and Agbede, have also suffered severe damage
This has resulted in serious traffic congestion and gridlocks that not only inconvenience commuters but also pose safety hazards for all road users.
A resident shared a concerning scenario in which a BUA truck, loaded with construction stones and headed for Ekpoma, became stranded in the Agbede gridlock due to numerous bad spots along the road.
Locals have also questioned why BUA is prioritising the failed 30km section of Ekpoma while neglecting the continuous damage to the Etsako roads.
These Etsako roads are crucial as they serve as the route for transporting raw materials needed for the rehabilitation of the Ekpoma section.
The ongoing difficulties faced by commuters and motorists have sparked outrage and raised concerns about how BUA is managing the reconstruction process.
There is significant anxiety regarding the indifference of BUA management to the plight of the Etsako people, who are experiencing damage to their already fragile roads.
Unfortunately, some lawmakers representing Etsako either fail to recognise their constituents’ struggles or do not take action to address the situation.
In response to the indifference of their lawmakers, concerned groups and individuals from Etsako are beginning to seek external assistance to press BUA to repair the roads and alleviate their suffering.
The community has expressed its disappointment, claiming that instead of improving the infrastructure, BUA’s operations have exacerbated the situation, leaving the roads in an even more perilous state.
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Etsako Decries Destruction Of Roads By BUA’s To Reconstruct Ekpoma Corridor
