Some patriotic residents of Ekae community in Oredo Local Government Area of Edo State have started rehabilitating their community roads by way of self-help. The rehabilitation exercise involves the filling and grading of the community roads, which upon completion will serve as link roads to the main Sapele road towards the RCC axis.
The community made this call following the announcement by the state government with respect to the rehabilitation of 42 roads in the state, hoping that such gesture by the state will be extended to the roads in their area.
The project coordinator, Efosa Orhue said the effort was so far a community initiative while calling on the government to help complete the project by asphalting the graded roads in order to ensure sustainability.
He said, “This is so far a community initiative. The idea is to kickstart this process as patriotic citizens before we make a case to the government to join hands with us. I call on other communities in the state to emulate Ekae community as we should all strive to be part of good governance.
“As you can see, everyone will benefit when we are done grading. I want to thank those who made financial donations and others who assisted with logistics all towards the road maintenance efforts. There is still much to be done though we have started.”
The roads adjoining the old Sapele road will be upgraded with drainages to ensure longevity and ease of movement of residents preparatory for another rainy season.
The roads being rehabilitated include Suleiman Drive which is opposite Buvel Filling Station, God is Able Avenue, Iheanacho Drive adjoining the old Benin Sapele road and others which usually become inaccessible especially after heavy downpours.
He commended the government for the massive installation of street lights on several roads in the state even those designated as federal trunk roads reiterating the call for the government to extend the efforts to the remaining stretch of Sapele road which covers Ekae and Obe axis down to the Bypass area.
