By Ogochukwu Isioma
Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has completed remedial works on the Benin-Iruekpen federal road to make movement easier for motorists.
Okpebholo, who undertook a tour of the expressway from Aduwawa, Obadan junction, Ugha, Okhuo, and Obagie to other areas, expressed satisfaction with the specifications and job done by the contractor who handled the project.
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The Governor who spoke to newsmen after the inspection, said his administration acknowledges that federal roads are also used by Edo people and as such his administration will continue to collaborate with the federal government to fix the roads for the benefit of the people of the State.
He said: “You can see what my administration has done in terms of fixing federal roads in the State. Initially, the road was not passable as several accidents were recorded on this road, both small and big vehicles, and lives were lost as well.
“Once upon a time, we had a government in Edo State that used to place signboards across all federal roads with the inscription ‘this is federal road, bear with us’. But today, we know Edo people ply these roads and it is now Edo roads and by the grace of God, we will continue to move forward to see that our people enjoy good roads across the State.
“For me, working for my people is the only thing that can give Edo people happiness and joy. Reducing the time of travel along this road is our achievement. A journey that will take up to four hours is now 45 minutes.
“We have keyed into Mr. President’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which has given Edo people hope. Hope of progress. With this road, prices of products will go down as the good road will reduce traveling time and positively affect the cost of transporting goods and services.”
The Governor also inspected Ekiuwa University of Benin road (Temboga road extension) Oba Erediuwa road, off upper mission road; Ekiuwa Uteh, Orior-Ozolua, new Uteh road Ekiuwa Quarters.
Gov Okpebholo took time to inspect a massive drainage at Uteh Temboga constructed to channel flood around the area into the Ikpoba River.
Speaking on the strength to continue infrastructural development in Edo State, the Governor said he is not working just for working sake, but working because he wants to improve the lives of Edo people who entrusted him with their mandate to lead them.
“I work because I love my people and want to give them the best. I work because I have a working President who at every point in time asks me about Edo people. I need to show him proof of what I am doing for my people. I want Edo people to know that their votes were worth it, and the only way to pay them back is to work for them and ensure their lives get better,” he stated.
The Governor and his entourage also inspected a gully site at Temboga, which had claimed several houses turning landlords to tenants.
“Looking at this gully here which my administration is trying to address, a lot of work has been done, letting Edo people know especially those living in this area that we love them, appreciate them and will use their resources to better their live,” he said.
The site engineer, Obuh Ugochukwu, said the job of reclaiming land already taken by gully erosion is a difficult one but the Okpebholo administration has addressed it as the gully has been filled making it possible for vehicles to pass through.
“This is Temboga Road by Ekiuwa, Oba Erediuwa road, it’s about 3.9 km, which will get to the back of the University of Benin (UNIBEN). From Ekiuwa, this road will get to Oba Erediuwa, which is 1.2KM. We also have a 3.9 km and another 1.2KM road around this axis.
“This gully erosion site before now was terrible and very scary because of the depth of about 20 metres and was also threatening as people had almost ran away from this area which has been checked through reclaiming of the areas taken by erosion. Those who ran away are all coming back.
“We will soon be done with the filling which is the bulk of the work and we thank you for the opportunity given to us to be part of the success story of saving the people of this area” he said.
The contractor, Engr. Mohld Bajuwa, who spoke on the level of work done on the Benin-Iruekpen road, said work started at Obadan junction, which was experiencing lots of gridlock.
He noted that work was completed at Obadan junction
“The road is of good quality and will stand the test of time, and with His Excellency’s supervision, we have delivered a quality job on time as well.”
