Flood disrupts human and vehicular movement in Edo

From Ighomuaye Lucky, Benin

Vehicular and pedestrian movement was disrupted on Tuesday after heavy rainfall caused flooding around the Tomline area along Lagos Road in Benin, Edo State.

The rain, which began about midday, caused serious gridlock as motorists were confined to using one of the four lanes leading to the Uselu and University of Benin axis.

Some motorists had to turn back as they feared that their vehicles could break down in the deluge.

However, commercial bus drivers navigated the flood as they were bent on ensuring that nothing disrupted their daily income.

Also, most of the businesses around the area were closed, while owners were seen standing nearby.

A commercial bus driver, Rueben Osas, said that he had no choice but to continue working in the hope that his vehicle would withstand the flood.

He added, “There is nothing we can do than to continue with our work and hope that our vehicles do not break down. However, the state government can help fix the road so that this yearly flooding in this area will become a thing of the past.”

Another person, who gave his name as John, said that the flooding, which is a yearly occurrence, has become an embarrassment to the state.

He said that relocating from the area remained the best option but added that the economy has impacted his business negatively.

He called on the state governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, to extend the repair work he is carrying out to the area, which he said is in dire need of attention.

His words: “It has become a yearly problem. It hampers our businesses, and one can only hope that the Governor will also look at repairing the road just like he is doing on Sapele Road.”