By Fresh Facts Magazine
Residents of Asaba, the Delta State capital, are raising alarm over the deplorable condition of roads within the metropolis, particularly the stretch leading out of the city into Onitsha, Anambra State. The worsening state of these roads, exacerbated by the ongoing rainy season, has become a source of daily hardship for motorists, commuters, and pedestrians alike.
The internal roads and expressways, once a source of pride, have now become riddled with deep potholes and flooded sections, making navigation not only difficult but dangerous. Gridlocks have become a regular occurrence, especially during peak hours, with commercial and private vehicles spending several hours maneuvering through water-logged, cratered roads.
Some residents who spoke with Fresh Facts Magazine expressed frustration and dismay over what they described as “government neglect,” urging both the Federal and State governments to act swiftly.
“This is no longer just an inconvenience; it’s a crisis,” lamented Mrs. Patricia Okonkwo, a trader at the popular Ogbogonogo Market. “Every time it rains, the entire road from Summit Junction down to the bridge becomes impassable. I have lost goods worth thousands of naira due to flooding and road accidents. We are really suffering.”
Similarly, Mr. Chukwuma Dike, a commercial bus driver who plies the Asaba-Onitsha route daily, decried the state of the roads, describing them as “death traps.”
“The road is terrible. We spend hours on what used to be a 15-minute journey. My bus suspension is damaged, and I have to visit the mechanic almost every week. We need the government to wake up and fix these roads now,” he said.
Youth leader and community advocate, Miss Ejiro Efe, noted that beyond the economic losses, the bad roads are also affecting the social wellbeing of residents.
“People can’t access healthcare easily in emergencies, school children arrive late or miss school altogether, and small businesses are struggling to survive. The government must not wait until there is a major tragedy before they respond,” she urged.
The residents’ appeal comes at a critical time, as the rainy season intensifies, making already fragile road structures even more susceptible to collapse. Several affected communities are now calling for an immediate intervention by the Federal Ministry of Works and the Delta State Government to initiate rehabilitation work and implement long-term infrastructure plans.
While state officials have in the past acknowledged the poor state of some roads in the metropolis, no comprehensive repair work has commenced in the most affected areas. As frustrations mount, Asaba residents are hoping their voices will prompt swift government action before the situation deteriorates further.
Fresh Facts Magazine will continue to monitor developments and provide updates on any government response or rehabilitation efforts in the affected zones.
