Residents Decry Potholes, Weeds At Benin City Centre

Residents and motorists in Benin City, the Edo State capital, have lamented the deteriorating condition of the city’s central district, particularly the popular Ring Road and Kings Square, warning that the situation poses safety risks and tarnishes the image of the state.

The residents expressed concern over the deep potholes on Ring Road, alleging that the damaged sections of the road had become accident-prone as motorists, especially commercial bus drivers, often swerve abruptly to avoid the craters.

They also lamented what they described as the indiscriminate activities of commercial bus operators around Kings Square, alleging that despite an earlier ban on loading and off-loading passengers at the location, many operators had turned the area into an unofficial motor park.

The residents further complained that gardens around the historic Kings Square, developed during the administration of former governor Adams Oshiomhole, had become overgrown with weeds, while hawkers now occupy parts of the area.

They also expressed displeasure over the condition of the National Museum within the Kings Square, saying the facility has been overtaken by weeds and appears poorly maintained.

Some of the residents, who spoke with LEADERSHIP, described the current state of the city centre as embarrassing, particularly as preparations gather momentum for activities marking the 10th coronation anniversary of the Oba of Benin.

A resident, Mr. Osaro Idemudia, said the condition of the Ring Road falls short of what should be expected of the state’s capital.

“We are not happy with the way the Ring Road is looking. Commercial bus drivers are supposed to pick and drop passengers at the Central Park, but today they have taken over Kings Square. Look at the dirt everywhere. This is the heart of Edo State and it should be properly maintained,” Idemudia said.

Another motorist, Mr. James Igie, described Kings Square as a symbol of Edo State’s identity, stressing that it should be accorded greater attention.

“Kings Square represents the image of Edo State. It is unfortunate that Oba Ovoranmwen Square has been allowed to deteriorate to this level. Government needs to restore the beauty of this place because visitors form their first impression of the state from here,” Igie stated.

Responding to the concerns, the Managing Director of the Edo State Road Maintenance Agency (EDROMA), Engr. Felix Ibhade, acknowledged the poor condition of the Ring Road but assured residents that the state government was preparing for a comprehensive rehabilitation rather than temporary repairs.

According to Ibhade, Governor Monday Okpebholo has directed that the road should undergo full asphalt rehabilitation instead of palliative works.

“We are on it. Our major constraint is the rain because most of the roads where we carried out amelioration were washed away by heavy rainfall. We are waiting for the rains to subside because we do not want to carry out repairs that will fail within one month,” he said.

The EDROMA boss added, “Ring Road is the beauty of the town, so we want to do a proper job. It is not going to be an easy task and we will work in collaboration with the Ministry of Works to ensure a lasting solution.”

Also reacting, the Managing Director of the Edo State Parks and Gardens Agency, Pastor Stanley Ighodaro, said the Okpebholo administration remained committed to restoring the aesthetic appeal of Benin City and other parts of the state.

Ighodaro maintained that the governor had demonstrated the political will to beautify public spaces and improve environmental sanitation across the state, assuring residents that attention would be given to the city centre.