From Ighomuaye Lucky, Benin
The elders, leaders, and concerned residents of the East Circular Elders Forum—comprising Ukpoigbivbiore, Uwa, Ofumwengbe Evbarunegbeifo, and parts of 2nd East Circular Road in Benin City—have called on the Edo State governor, Monday Okpebholo, to address the devastating impact of flooding in their communities whenever it rains.
Speaking on behalf of the communities during a peaceful protest to register their displeasure over the neglect of their area, the secretary of the forum, Omoregbee Nosakhare, recounted the community’s appeals to the immediate past governor, Mr Godwin Obaseki, and the current governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo.
According to Nosakhare, “The street in question is located in Ward 11, Oredo Local Government Area, at 1st East Circular Road, opposite St. Joseph Catholic Church, Benin City.
“Ukpoigbivbiore Street is a water-logged area, with erosion collecting from over 44 streets and lanes stretching from Esigie Street Junction through Ogiso Market down to Uwa Junction.
“The neglected project by past administrations has drained us of our happiness, coupled with nightmares and unwarranted deaths.
“When it gets here, the water has no alternative but to cause havoc. The underground drainage and others in the city, constructed by Professor Ambrose Alli and General Osaigbovo Ogbemudia, both of blessed memory, have long been covered with debris and left without desilting or redirecting the water to a safer outlet. We have long agitated for this cleanup, as can be seen in the attached letters.
“Most worrisome is that residents have long been displaced from the street, with no respite in sight, leaving the entire street desolate and a hideout for thieves.
“We have done the needful by alerting previous governments with relevant information on how best the erosion can be addressed.”
Nosakhare further stated, “It was only in 2014 that the government of Comrade Adams Aliu Oshiomhole provided some relief, with designs that saw 2nd East Circular Road reconstructed to address this menace. However, the then Commissioner for Works, who later became the Secretary to the State Government, allegedly diverted the plan by sinking another underground drain at Uwa, between 2nd and 1st East Circular Roads, with no positive impact on the main tunnel at 1st East Circular Road, thereby worsening the condition.
“We have cried with voices and pen to the extent that Ukpoigbivbiore Road was listed among the 91 project roads to be constructed in 2022 by the government of Obaseki, but again, it was subverted and left unattended, while all others received attention.
“We are trusting and banking on you, sir, to please rescue us by revisiting the designs and drawings that were approved by the Ministry of Works, as submitted by the consulting firm engaged by the Ministry in 2021.
“Presently, we are deeply in pain, as the majority of those who laboured in the struggle are either depressed or dead.”