Protesters block Benin-Lagos Expressway over deplorable roads to spare parts market
The ever busy Benin-Lagos Expressway experienced gridlock for several hours on Monday morning following protest by traders, artisans, road users and residents of Uwasota-Uwelu in Egor Local Government Area of Edo State, South-South Nigeria. They were protesting over the deplorable state of the roads linking the major motor spare parts market in the state.
The protesters who blocked the Expressway say they will continue to block the road until the State Government intervenes to ameliorate their plight by reconstructing the link roads.
The roads from Textile Mills and Uwasota are the two major roads leading to the Uwelu Motor Spare parts Market in Benin metropolis but their deplorable state is of great concern to residents of the area, traders, artisans and road users who are the direct victims.
They decided to embark on the protest by blocking the ever busy Benin-Lagos Expressway by Uwasota Junction to draw the attention of the Edo State Government .
They say despite the huge revenues the authorities generate from the taxes they pay on daily bases, the Edo State Government has not been able to fix the failed portions of the roads. They say if the roads were put in good shape, they will revive businesses in the area.
State Commissioner for Roads and Bridges, Newton Okojie who spoke to AIT.live on telephone says the roads have been awarded for reconstruction.
(Editor: Terverr Tyav)
