IKPOBA HILL YOUTHS EXPRESS DISSATISFACTION OVER BENIN- ASABA EXPRESS WAY CONSTRUCTION

...Consistent Inhaling Of Cement Dust Harmful To Health, Kingsley Osemwigie

...Gives Seven working days altimatum to remedy situation 









The Ikpoba Hill Youths Forum Chairman, Comrade Kingsley Osemwigie has petitioned the 
 Edo State Ministry of Health, Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) and other related ministries in Edo State of the inherent health hazard of the consistent Inhaling of Cement dust caused by the ongoing Benin-Asaba road construction, urging Benin–Asaba Expressway Concession Company (BAECC) 
to urgently find a remedy to the health hazards associated with the dust in the communities on the road corridors where construction is ongoing.

In a letter titled " Letter of Complaint" addressed to the Edo State Ministry of Health, Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Ministry of Transportation and to the Ministry of Environment and Urban Development and a copy made available to the Press, Kingsley Osemwigie highlighted the various health implications of the consistent Inhaling of Cement dust by community dwellers and other road users in the road corridor where the construction is ongoing.

According to a letter signed and made available to the Press in Benin City the Edo State capital by Kingsley Osemwigie, "This Is to bring to your notice the health, environmental, safety and economic implication and the dangers of cement dust pollution caused by the construction work ongoing at the Benin Asaba 
Express way. 

" Cement dust leads to air pollution and it is hazardous to our general health. Effects of cement dust pollution on the Ikpoba hill people Include: Cough and Phlegm production, chest tightness, impairment of lung function, obstructive and restrictive lung disease, Pleural thickening, Fibrosis, Emphysema, Lung nodulation, Pneumoconicsis and Carcinome of Lung. 

"It is also very important to put to your humble notice that as a result of the increased intensity of dust, some lives have been lost due to road accidents at Okhuaihe axis and many other accidents have been recorded which also occurred in some sections of the road. 

" On the economic aspect, so many stores and shops along the road are finding it difficult to keep their goods in good condition for sale as customers find it difficult to trade in an unhealthy environment. 


"‘We are using this medium to request for an immediate solution aaa the cement dust polluting of our environment. We hope to see an urgent solution to the situation within seven working days or leave the youths with no other choice".

Responding, the Benin—Asaba Expressway Concession Company (BAECC) Head of Public Communications, Dr. Jerry Adeyeri said that BAECC has acknowledged that road construction of this scale can generate dust and said it understands the impact this may have on residents, businesses, and daily activities along the corridor, and said it sincerely empathizes with the concerns raised regarding comfort and respiratory health. 


According to a release through its head of communication, " The Benin—Asaba Expressway Concession Company (BAECC) has taken note of the letter issued by the Ikpoba Hill Youths Forum expressing concems about dust, health implications, and safety along the Ikpoba Hill-Agbor corridor. 

" BAECC acknowledges that road construction activities of this scale can generate dust, particularly in sections currently under active reconstruction. We understand the impact this may have on residents, businesses, and daily activities along the corridor, and we sincerely empathize with the concerns raised regarding comfort and respiratory health. 

"To mitigate this, BAECC has consistently implemented daily and continuous surface wetting of the affected sections to significantly reduce dust levels. This measure remains ongoing, and we respectfully seek the continued patience and cooperation of the community, as this phase of construction is temporary. Once asphalt laying is completed, dust related issues will be fully resolved. 

" Regarding allegations linking construction activities to loss of lives through motor accidents, BAECC wishes to clarify that no section of the road has been closed to traffic, and available records indicate that the reported fatal accident along the corridor was a result of traffic violations, specifically one-way driving, which led to a head on collision. The cause of the accident is never a result of construction works. We challenge the forum to provide evidence that road works were the cause of that accident. Nevertheless, BAECC remains deeply concerned about all road accidents and reiterates its strong commitment to safety for motorists, pedestrians, and surrounding communities. 

"BAECC remains open to constructive engagement with community representatives and relevant authorities to address concerns, improve safety awareness, and ensure that the project delivers its intended benefits to the people of Edo State and road users at large. 

"Our priority remains the protection of lives and property while delivering a modem road infrastructure that will improve mobility, commerce, and quality of life for all" the statement concluded 


 



 


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