By Angela James,
The Edo State Government has announced plans to award more road projects as part of its sustained drive to expand and modernise infrastructure across the state.
The Commissioner for Works, Hon. Dr. Felix Akhabue, disclosed this during an inspection tour of ongoing road projects in the Edo South Senatorial District, assuring residents that the administration remains committed to delivering quality infrastructure that improves mobility and living standards.
Dr. Akhabue, who was accompanied by the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Engr. Dr. John Obanor, directors, engineers and journalists, said the inspection was aimed at providing first-hand information on projects currently being executed and ensuring that contractors adhere strictly to approved specifications.
He noted that the ministry would continue to closely monitor all projects to guarantee quality delivery and timely completion, adding that the State Executive Council had approved additional road projects at its last meeting.
The inspection covered several sites in Ovia North East, Oredo and Ikpoba Okha Local Government Areas, where the commissioner expressed satisfaction with the pace and quality of work, saying contractors were complying with set standards.
Among the projects inspected were the Benin Technical School roads cluster and a large underground and surface drainage system designed to channel erosion runoff directly into the Ikpoba River. At Okhunmwun Road, residents trooped out in jubilation, commending the state government for prioritising the construction of the long-awaited road.
The Okhunmwun Road project, which serves as an alternative route for commuters along the Oluku, Siluko and Ekehuan axis, has recorded significant progress, with about 1.2 kilometres already asphalted and earthwork completed on an additional 4.5 kilometres. Dr. Akhabue said work had been intensified on the remaining stretch, taking advantage of the dry season.
The commissioner also inspected ongoing construction at Upper Ekehuan Road, from Urhuoghogho to Ughineh, where concrete pavement is being laid, as well as the Catholic Charismatic Renewal Church Road, where construction was described as being at an advanced stage.
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Asphalted area of Ukhunmwun Road off Oluku and Siluko Road.[/caption]
At Palace Road, a long stretch has already been asphalted, while other sections are stone-base ready for surfacing. Work at the Ekiuwa–University of Benin Road and adjoining spurs has also reached an advanced stage, with the previously notorious Ekiuwa gully fully reclaimed.
Also visited were the flyover bridges under construction at Ramat Park and the Adesuwa–Sapele Road intersection. Dr. Akhabue expressed confidence that all ongoing projects would be completed on schedule, citing the prompt release of funds to contractors by the state government.
He reiterated that the administration of Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, is committed to equitable infrastructure development across the state, stressing that road construction remains a key component of its development agenda.
According to him, “The Edo State Government under the leadership of Senator Monday Okpebholo is passionate about improving the lives of the people. The prompt release of funds has helped to sustain work on site, and the ministry will continue to monitor all projects to ensure they meet required standards.”
The commissioner assured residents that with the approval of new road projects by the State Executive Council, the government’s infrastructure drive would continue, ensuring that all parts of Edo State benefit from improved road networks and related infrastructure.
