PRESIDENCY BLAMES CONTRACTOR FOR BENIN-AGBOR-ASABA ROAD FAILURE

The Presidency has attributed the recent collapse of a section of the Benin-Agbor-Asaba Expressway to the contractor handling the project, describing the incident as an isolated failure and assuring motorists that the Federal Government has moved to address the situation.

The development follows growing concerns over the condition of the major highway, which serves as an important transportation route connecting communities and facilitating the movement of people and goods across the region. The deteriorating condition of the road has reportedly caused hardship for motorists and disrupted commercial activities.

According to the Presidency, relevant government officials and stakeholders were quickly deployed to the affected section after the failure was reported. The contractor was also directed to take immediate action to restore the road and ease the difficulties faced by road users.

The Minister of Works, David Umahi, had earlier expressed concern over the condition of the highway and apologised to commuters affected by the road's poor state. He also ordered moves towards the redesign and total reconstruction of the Benin-Agbor-Asaba road, stressing that temporary palliative measures would not provide a lasting solution.

The Federal Government's intervention is expected to improve traffic flow and reduce the economic losses associated with the deteriorating road. The highway is particularly important to businesses and transport operators because of its role in connecting major cities and communities in the South-South and South-East regions.

Authorities are expected to continue monitoring the contractor's response while work progresses on the affected sections. The Presidency maintained that appropriate measures would be taken to ensure that the road is restored and that motorists can travel safely along the route.