Drivers of articulated vehicles in Edo North Senatorial District have called on relevant authorities to give speedy attention to failed portions on the Benin-Auchi-Okene express road as the deplorable condition is impacting negatively on their means of livelihood and the transportation of goods and services.
The drivers made this call while protesting at the popular Jattu junction in Etsako West Local Government Area to draw attention to the terrible state of the Federal Road which is the only route left for them as Edo State Government is enforcing a ban on the usage of state roads as alternative routes for their heavy duty trucks.
On October 12, 2022, the Edo State Executive Council announced the immediate reinforcement of a ban on articulated vehicles weighing over thirty tons from using state roads and limited them to the Federal roads.
The determination to reinforce the ban was hinged on the damaging effects such heavy duty trucks have on the roads which were not designed for such weights.
The fallout of this decision is the blockage of the ever busy Jattu junction along the Benin-Auchi-Okene highway by drivers of the affected vehicles.
Using several trucks to form a barricade, canopies were put in place to provide a shield from the weather and food prepared to stave off hunger.
On the sidelines, some youths decided to convert the expressway into a football pitch.
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The protesters say the ban on the usage of feeder roads by the state government has left them with no other option than to make use of the federal road with failed portions which inhibit movement of goods and services within and outside the state.
The drivers lamented that the trunk A road has caused them untold hardships and want the relevant authorities to urgently look into its deplorable condition.
They say a positive response to their request will promote economic stability.
Editor : Ena Agbanoma
