Agberen Urges DTHA To Establish Laws Restricting Tankers, Others From Sharing Roads With Other Motorists

By Daniel Dafe

Comr.(Amb) Derrick Oritsematosan Agberen, National Coordinator, Initiative For Social Rights Concerns And Advancement(ISRCA) AKA “No Justice, No Peace” has urged the Delta State House of Assembly to establish legislation to restrict trailer trucks, tankers, and heavy-duty vehicles from sharing roads with other motorists.

Agberen, who said this in a statement on Monday, added: “In light of the significant threats it poses to lives, property, and economic activities in the affected areas, as well as its role in causing heavy traffic congestion on major roads and streets, the Delta State Government should implement regulatory measures to govern the operations of trailer trucks, tankers, and other heavy-duty vehicles,” saying that “there are states in the federation that have adopted this approach, and it is proving effective for its development strides.”

He continued: “The Delta Governor, His Excellency, Rt Hon Sheriff Oborevwori, should provide immediate attention to the Warri/Effurun/Benin/Sapele Expressway. The state government ought not wait for tragic, horrible, and terrifying incidents to occur before taking stringent measures to regulate these excesses on our roads. It should be proactive in preventing circumstances that could cause serious harm and danger, especially now that there are ongoing major road constructions leading into and inside Delta State.

ALSO READ: Resuscitate Southern Ports Along Building Of Northern Inland Port, Osawota Appeals To Tinubu

“Alternative routes through Oha community to Aziza community and the Sapele Amukpe roundabout are deteriorating rapidly and will soon be in a similarly poor state as the expressway. To mitigate further damage, heavy operational vehicles, tankers, and trucks should be restricted from traversing these communities. Rehabilitating the Benin/Sapele road would not be excessively costly.

“Community leaders in villages that have become alternative routes to the Sapele/Benin expressway should safeguard their communities from these heavy-duty vehicles that now wreak havoc on the only existing roads. If these roads deteriorate to deplorable conditions, it will not only take years before they are rehabilitated, which would hinder economic growth and development in such communities, but also create opportunities for persons in government disguised as contractors to embezzle public funds under the guise of contract awards.”