By Igbotako Nowinta, Alltimepost.com Nigeria Bureau Chief
Motorists and residents in Isiohor quarters in the outskirt of Benin City, Edo State of Nigeria, have lamented the huge artificial pool of stagnant flood water that has become a regular occurrence and terrible eye sore during rainfall.
The stagnant flood water, now referred to as man-made river constitutes a nuisance and health hazards to the people of the locality.
One of the landlords in the area and a pensioner, Pa Osazuwa Obayantor lamented the ugly situation in a chat with Alltimepost.com in Benin at the weekend.
”This bad smelling water is destroying us gradually, our cars are being damaged,now and then we pay visit to the mechanic workshops to fix our radiators etc.
“The stench from the water is killing us bit by bit.This place is getting worse by the day.Now a big hole has surfaced at the middle of the road because of the stagnant water. Sooner than later this portion of the road will become unmotorable.
“The member representing Ovia North East in the Edo State House of Assembly, Osazewingie, has not done anything tangible to ameliorate our plight.We call on him to come to our aid without delay.”
Another resident, Madam Ruth Chukwudi, a formerclassroom teacher who runs a restaurant in the place said: ”Something should be done to channel this water out of the road, may be a drainage should be constructed.
“We appeal to Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo State, Edo State House of Assembly and other relevant agencies to come and assist us.
“This is the major gate way to Benin from the western part of the country.We are suffering too much whenever rain falls.We are not happy”
The deplorable site is located about five minutes drive from the main gate of the campus of the University of Benin and is directly opposite the Supply and Transport (S&T) Barracks of the Nigerian Army.
Investigation reveals that about three years ago this portion of road used to be a smooth passage for motorists and pedestrians from the Oluku/Isiohior axis of the state capital.
It is believed to have been caused by the blockage of adjacent access roads by those living around and doing business in the area, to prevent flood water from gaining access to their homes and business premises.
