The Edo State House of Assembly on Tuesday adopted a resolution directing the heads of the 18 local government councils to as a matter of urgency clear the grasses on the shoulders of the roads in their localities every quarter of the year.
The adoption of the resolution followed the consideration of the matter of public importance raised by Hon. Osadolor Uzamere (PDP, Ovia North East II) and seconded by Hon. Kingsley Ugabi (APC, Etsako East.)
Moving the consequential motion, Hon. Uzamere said that the call on the local government councils had become necessary in order to enhance visibility for road users and to also avert avoidable accidents.
He noted that the clearing of grasses falls under the functions of local government councils, stating that most roads across the state, particularly the inter-local government roads, were overgrown with grasses.
“The tall grasses on the shoulders of the roads inhibit the visibility of road users and security operatives deployed to curb criminal activities on the roads,” he said.
He added that the tall grasses now serve as hideouts for criminals and kidnappers to perpetuate unlawful acts.
Uzamere thereafter moved the motion calling on the 18 local government councils to embark on the clearing of grasses from the shoulders of all local and other major roads in their localities quarterly.
Supporting the motion, the Deputy Speaker, Rt. Hon. Maria Edekor (Esan North East II), said, “It is disheartening to see that we have become a country where we wait to be reminded of our responsibilities. It is the bane of the nation. The grasses on our roads have become safe haven for armed robbers and kidnappers to carry out their nefarious activities.”
According to her, clearing the grasses would allow for proper visibility for motorists and commuters.
On his part, Hon. Charity Aiguobarueghian (PDP, Ovia Northeast I) urged the heads of councils to revive the Public Works Department of the councils saddled with responsibility of maintaining the inter-local government and other major roads.
According to him, the involvement of the Public Works Department in the past ensured a clean and hygienic environment as they were actively involved in clearing and maintenance of their immediate environments.
Speaking also, Hon. Jonathan Aigbokhan (APC, Esan West) appealed to the state government to provide financial assistance to the councils to carry out the clearing and maintenance of the roads.
He added that the councils were currently experiencing paucity of funds needed to execute projects.
Other lawmakers who supported the motion also called on the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs to ensure that the resolution was implemented.
The Speaker, Rt. Hon. Blessing Agbebaku, directed that the resolution be sent to the relevant authorities.
Meanwhile, the House announced the receipt of a bill for a law to establish the Edo State Oil Palm Programme for the development of the Edo State oil palm industry.
