Senator Ede Dafinone, who serves as the representative for the Delta Central Senatorial District in the 10th National Assembly, stated a need for increased allocation of resources to enhance the road infrastructure in Delta State, given its status as an oil-producing region.
Dafinone had offered his sympathies to affected individuals who fell victim to a devastating tanker explosion on October 1 in Ugbenu, situated along the Sapele-Benin road within Ethiope West Local Government Area of Delta State.
This incident had resulted in casualties and extensive property damage. Dafinone urged the Federal Government to promptly address the deteriorated segments of the road.
During an interview conducted by ARISE NEWS on Wednesday, the senator emphasised the need for the government to swiftly undertake cost-effective emergency repairs, stressing the urgency of the situation due to the loss of lives and property.
He said, “That link road between Warri and Benin has been barred for a considerable length of time, and we continue to draw the attention of the government agencies on the need to have repair work done on the road.”
Dafinone mentioned that, following his inquiry, the federal minister of works and FERMA, in their respective replies, provided extensive information about the contracts they had awarded for the repair and maintenance of specific segments of the road, however, not much information regarding the progress of ongoing projects on that road.
He emphasised, “This is the Niger-Delta, this is the heart of the oil-producing region, and we would like to see more resources devoted to our roads to ensure that the lives of the citizens of Delta Central, Delta state, Niger-Delta is improved.
“There are so many failed portions.
“Some cases, that also raises security issues where people are also getting robbed.
“The failed sections force motorists to slow down, and they easily become victims to robbers and kidnappers.”
Considering potential solutions, he stated, “I had written to NDDC (Niger Delta Development Commission) recognising them as an interventionist agency that could possibly also contribute to the solution.”
Although Dafinone mentioned his inability to disclose extensive details, he did indicate that the NDDC has incorporated diverse approaches in their 2024 budget to address these issues.
According to him, they are exploring various solutions, including collaborating with different stakeholders and oil companies to accomplish the task.
“Roads will be a major focus of their approach for 2024 as well,” he stated, “I’ve seen the preliminary budget, it’s still in the drafting stage.”
Dafinone also emphasised that in cases where the federal government is incapable or unwilling to address road maintenance expenses in situations where state governments have undertaken the work, it remains crucial for state governments to take action when they observe road failures and no remediation efforts are underway.
He further stressed that the state government should not passively anticipate federal government intervention, as such delays significantly affect the lives and businesses of the local population.
“If there is no solution coming from the federal government or it’s taking too long, the state government should also put pressure, firstly, on the federal government agencies,” he said “If nothing is done, they should also take action.”
Additionally, Dafinone mentioned that efforts are currently underway to identify the individuals who lost their lives in the explosion, but unfortunately, some of them have suffered severe burns beyond recognition.
He said,“I’m not sure that there is any plan at the moment for compensation for the victims, and I’m not sure where that compensation would come from.”
Also noted was that the collation of property losses is something that would be done by underwriters and insurance companies in which he stated that the country is significantly under-insured, and it is highly likely that most of the property damaged were not insured.
Dafinone further addressed the prospect of rejuvenating Sapele. He expressed that during President Tinubu’s campaign, pledges were made, alongside Ovie Omo-Agege, the former Deputy President of the Nigerian Senate, and himself (Dafinone) to breathe new life into the ports within the Delta Central region, with a specific focus on the Sapele port.
He said, “Sapele port at the moment is being used by the navy on loan, and it is our feeling that if we could pass the port back for daily economic activity to receive goods from abroad, that would be an amazing start to the recovery of the town that was once a commercial centre within Delta Central.”
Frances Ibiefo
Follow us on:
The EFCC has arrested three suspects for alleged vote buying during the ongoing Edo governorship…
Evacuations of 30,000 people are underway in central Japan as heavy rains threaten severe flooding,…
An employee of California's state fire protection agency, known as Cal Fire, has been arrested…
In Mexico's western Sinaloa state, at least 53 people have been killed and 51 others…
The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has announced the arrest of two suspected political thugs during…
President Bola Tinubu on Saturday rejoiced with his better half, Oluremi Tinubu, on the occasion…
View Comments
E-AUCTION E-AUCTION E-AUCTION E-AUCTION Some Auction Vehicles/Cars For Sale
Mama Africa #17,000 •Tomatoes Rice # *15,000* •Cap Rice #15,000 •My Food #17,000 •Mama Gold #17,500 •Ade Brazil #15,000 •Elephant Gold #15,000 •Royal Umbrella #15,000 Etc.
Golf3= 400,000
Camry Tinny-Light=550,000
Tundra 1,300,000
Toyota Exterra=850,000
Toyota Camry big daddy=700,000
Toyota Venza= 1.7million
Toyota Avalon=850,000
Toyota Rav4=950,000
Toyota Prado=1.3million
TOYOTA HILUX=2million
Toyota Sienna=850,000
TOYOTA 4-RUNNER=950,000
Toyota Corolla=650,000
Toyota Matrix= 700,000
Toyota Highlander=950,000
Toyota Picnic=500,000
Tacoma 1.850,000
Toyota Hiace Bus=950,000
Toyota Tundra=1.5million
Toyota Sequola=900,000
BMW 5-series=1.960,000
BMW 3-series=1.640,000
BMW X6=2.670,000
Ford Edge=700,000
Ford Escape=600,000
Honda Elantra=600,000
Honda Baby-Boy=700,000
Dyna Truck 900k
TIPPER Head 6mill
Honda Accord=550,000
Honda CRV=650,000
HONDA CIVIC=500,000
HONDA EVIL-SPIRIT=750,000
HONDA ODYSSEY=500,000
Honda Pilot=850,000
Nissan pathfinder=800,000
Nissan Amanda=750,000
Infinity=950,000
Benz C250=N1.300,000
Benz C300=1.6MILLION
Benz ML350=2 million
Benz ML300=1.5 million
Benz ML550=2.6million
Mercedes-Benz C-Class ₦1.3Million
Mercedes-Benz E-Class ₦1.8Million
Mercedes-Benz GLK ₦3.Million
Es330 1.6
Lexus C5 350=950,000
IS250 1m
Lexus Rx300=1.2 million
Lexus Rx330=1.5 million
Is350 2
Lexus Rx350= 2 million
ES350 2mill
Land Rover Discovery ₦3.2Million
Land Rover Freelander ₦3.6Million
Land Range Rover Sport ₦4Million
Acura MDX ₦1.8Million
Pequot 206=350,000
Pequot 406=470,000
Pequot 607=650,000
.....
((09156089111) (+234_915_608_9111)