Commuters and motorists navigating the crumbling Asaba-Onitsha highway are voicing their concerns over the alarming rate of road accidents, urging the government to take swift action.
Mr. Andrew Eze, a shuttle bus driver on this perilous route, shared his distress with PUNCH Online, stating that accidents occur daily, often with tragic consequences. “Every day brings a new incident—whether it’s a vehicle striking a pedestrian or colliding with another vehicle,” he lamented. Eze recounted a recent tragedy where a 17-year-old boy was fatally struck while attempting to cross the road to buy water. The boy was hit by a vehicle traveling the wrong way due to the poor condition of the highway.
“In another close call yesterday, a truck loaded with diesel overturned, narrowly avoiding a catastrophic explosion,” Eze added.
Addressing the dire state of the highway at the Ezenei Junction, the state Commissioner for Works (Rural and Riverine Roads), Mr. Charles Aniagwu, called for the Federal Government to prioritize repairs. Following an Executive Council meeting, Aniagwu emphasized that Governor Oborevwori is keenly aware of the hardships faced by commuters and is committed to seeing the road repaired swiftly.
“The condition of this highway is not only a danger but is also disrupting our internal roads, forcing drivers to divert into residential areas,” he noted.
Additionally, State Commissioner for Information, Dr. Ifeanyi Osuoza, announced that the state executive has approved several infrastructure projects, including the construction of internal roads at the Headquarters of the 63 Brigade, Nigerian Army, in Ibusa, and the development of Aziken Avenue in Boji-Boji Agbor, Ika South Local Government Area, among others.
The urgent need for government intervention on the Asaba-Onitsha highway has never been clearer, as the safety of commuters hangs in the balance.