By Godspower Eguasa
The Edo State Commissioner for Communication and Orientation, Hon. Chris Nehikhare, has explained the reasons behind the suspension of the heads of Owan East, Owan West and Igueben local government councils by Governor Godwin Obaseki.
Nehikhare who gave the explanation after the weekly Executive Council Meeting on Wednesday in Government House, Benin City said: “The Edo State Government has suspended three Heads of Service of three local government areas namely; Owan West, Owan East and Igueben.
“They have refused to keep to the directive of the government instructing them not to allow heavy-duty vehicles to pass through their areas, despite the damage done to our roads.”
The Commissioner added: “Our roads are destroyed by travellers who don’t contribute to the Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) of the State but pass through these roads and damage our infrastructure. The federal roads are there and they should continue to use it. We call on all appointees in these areas to stop these vehicles destroying our roads.”
According to Nehikhare, the ban on articulated vehicles has not been lifted and he urged appointees of the State government to support in enforcing the ban.
“To protect our roads, we have placed a ban on articulated vehicles weighing up to 30 tonnes from plying state roads, as the roads are not designed to carry vehicles weighing over 30 tonnes. These heavy-duty vehicles are being used to destroy and damage our roads, especially those carrying cement, petrol, and diesel.
“Our roads are not designed for such purposes. These heavy-duty vehicles should use the Federal Government roads designed for such purposes.”
