The Edo State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to improving the State’s road network to mitigate the sufferings experienced by residents as a result of failed portions of major Federal Government Highways in the State.
The Commissioner for Works, Dr. Felix Akhabue, gave the assurance during an inspection of the Benin-Sapele Road construction work. He disclosed that the assurance is consequent upon the directives of the Governor, Sen. Monday Okpebholo, who has directed the Ministry of Works to utilize the dry season to accelerate road construction across the State.
He stated that over 200 km of roads are currently under construction statewide and recounted how the Governor took over sections of the Benin-Sapele Road, awarding contracts to two construction companies to ensure timely completion, especially with the yuletide season approaching.
In his words, “The Governor believes in touching the lives of his people, and he’s doing this through the Ministry of Works by constructing roads across the State. He’s attending to State and the Federal roads because it’s not just Federal people who are using these roads, but Edo people.
“Palliative work is ongoing on badly damaged spots to ease traffic on the sections taken over by the State Government, while the major construction work is also going on.”
Dr. Felix Akhabue explained that awarding the Benin-Sapele Road project to two construction companies, the CCECC and the CBC, was necessary to ensure timely delivery.
The Commissioner noted that the Governor’s intervention on the Benin-Ekpoma-Auchi Road has significantly reduced travel time and risks associated with the hitherto failed portions, making the journey more enjoyable.
