POLITICS: Bad state of Ekpoma Roads Hinders Economic Growth in Edo State- Kelly Udebhulu Tells Governor Obaseki.

Osaze Jackson reports.

EKPOMA-A chieftain of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and a known community crusader and activist , Prince Kelly O. Udebhulu, from Urohi community in Esan west local government of Edo state, has urged Governor Godwin Obaseki, to fix the roads at Ekpoma and environs as the rainy season turns the dilapidated roads  death-traps which is having great negative impact on the commerce of Edo state.

“A recent survey shows that the dilapidated roads in Ekpoma has impacted negatively on commerce and the socio-economic lives of the people, resulting in high cost of transportation and food stuffs, thereby leaving the tax-paying masses to bear the brunt.” He said.

The APC Chieftain however, appealed to the state Governor Obaseki to act fast in this regard as he described Benin-Auchi’s road all through to Ewu in Esan central local government area of the state including Urohi road, Emuhi road and Egoro road among others in Esan west local government as death traps for the inhabitants and users. Criminals use the bad conditions of the roads to unleash their hazardous activities on commuters and inhabitants daily.

In his narrative as contained in the issued statement yesterday at his country home in Ekpoma;

“It has really been a horrifying experience driving through the roads within Ekpoma to drop and pick children from school daily.
“Commerce is worst hit, as the number of traders who travel to the popular Ekpoma and Urohi markets has declined as a result of the poor condition of the roads.’’ he lamented.

“It is hinting negatively on the economic development in edo state because commuters plying the ever-busy Benin-Auchi-Okenne highway are groaning as a result of the pains they experience travelling through the road due to its dilapidated state, especially the four kilometres stretch after the Benin bypass, Obagie, Iruekpen, Ekpoma and Ewu axis.”

“In fact, it is not possible for any vehicle to drive for two minutes without encountering bad spots, potholes and completely impassable portions of the road.

“The worst section of the road is in Ekpoma, where commuters would have to veer off the highway to go through inner-city roads and then come out at Irrua, a nearby community. Commuters spend over two hours trying to navigate out of Ekpoma dilapidated road which discourages traders and business men and women to repeat such journey to the area again.