Why Traffic Lights In Benin City Are No Longer Functioning And The Way Forward (Matters Arising)

The last three months have been chaotic driving on the streets of Benin City due to the non-functionality of the traffic lights scattered across the capital city. Navigating through intersections is a nightmare in Benin City and at weekends it is actually a hell driving in the City.

What may be the cause of all the Traffic Lights not functioning at the same time? What is the solution to this pressing predicament?

Due to the sensitivity of our investigation, we would keep the information highly scanty in order not to create further complications. Our investigations point to the direction of a breach of an agreement between a Chinese company that is saddled with the maintenance of the traffic lights and the Edo State Government.

Reports have it in good authority that the traffic lights were switched off by the Chinese firm for the failure of the State Government to meet up with its responsibility as regards the terms of the contract.

Here are the matters arising…

From investigations carried out, those traffic lights heralded the present administration and have been functioning all this while.

What kind of agreement could the state have entered with the Chinese company concerning the traffic lights?

How come it is now they decided to cut off access by the State Government?

Are Edo Citizens going to rely on the present arrangement with the company over the maintenance of Traffic Lights?

Questions to ask.

What really was the agreement between the government and the firm that gives control to the firm in operating the traffic lights even years after installation?

How long are the citizens going to wait before this embarrassment comes to an end?

Is the Edo State Traffic Management Agency (EDSTMA) up to the task of controlling the situation by deploying adequate officials to man the traffic lights?