By Marietta Munachimso
The deplorable state of Nigerian roads in recent times calls for urgent attention in view of the massive loss of human lives and properties in affected areas.
Although the federal government of Nigeria has concluded plans to construct a coastal highway that will address transportation challenges and boost the economy across the 6 regions in the country, the urgent need for rehabilitation of existing roads cannot be overemphasized.
The Mousco Junction incident whereby a fuel tanker got submerged in a pool of water covering a major road traversing Benin – Auchi – Ekpoma was just one of the many unpleasant experiences that transporters face everyday across the country.
Most of such incidents were largely unreported, because the ones made public were just like a tip of the iceberg.
Recall that residents of Edo State under the aegis of Concerned Citizens of Edo State on had previously barricaded the Jattu axis of the Benin-Auchi Highway over the deplorable condition of the Federal Road.
However, it has become imperative for government to always set aside substantial amount for periodic maintenance of road infrastructure across the country, with a view to presenting similar cases due to the growing network of bad roads.
