The road has split the state with the portion stretching from Ekpoma to Auchi not motorable for years. The community, which plays host to both Dangote and BUA cement companies, said a properly articulated tax credit scheme would help to restore the road and ease the pains for road users.
This comes even as the community called on BUA Cement to commence construction of a health facility in the community, which he promised the host community.
A leader of the community and former chairman of Etsako East Local Government Area, Godwin Eshieshi, who made the call on behalf of the community in a media session in Abuja, emphasised the crucial role of the private sector in addressing Nigeria’s infrastructure deficit.
Eshieshi argued that the current infrastructure gap could only be effectively bridged through an increased private sector involvement in developmental projects of the government.
He explained that the country’s yearly funding for road projects is not enough to handle the growing need for improved road infrastructure leading to the growing number of abandoned projects across the country.
According to Eshieshi, BUA and Dangote operate in Edo and utilise the roads in the state, which are very strategic for their business and daily operations. Hence, he said, rehabilitating the facility would be a win-win for the companies and other users.
“These companies rely heavily on the state’s road network, which connects not only various parts of Edo but also extends to the South East, North Central, and other regions, including the South West.
“Considering the tax breaks they receive from the government, the companies have a responsibility to address the poor condition of the roads, which causes hardship for both travelers and local businesses within and beyond the affected communities. Investing in infrastructure projects like road repairs would not only benefit the state but also enhance the companies’ public image, especially in poor areas,” he said.
He also called on BUA Cement to begin the construction of the proposed multi-billion naira hospital in the community even though it was not part of an agreement signed with the host community.
