…as more arterial roads get government attention
Roads are important infrastructures that facilitate the movement of humans, goods and services. The construction of roads is no doubt the most significant factor that contributes to the economic viability of a state by reason of accessibility and connectivity.
Construction of roads dates back to ancient times and has continued to evolve with the growing demands of modern society. Road infrastructure requires a huge amount for which funding most times is limited.
For us in Edo State, Nigeria, we have a good story to tell. Edo State under the leadership of His Excellency, Godwin Nogheghase Obaseki has become a huge construction site of some sort as residents of some long-neglected areas of the Benin metropolis, which were cut off as a result of bad roads, have started to get the attention of government with massive road rehabilitation and construction works on going in the areas.
The construction which spreads across the three senatorial districts of the state is in line with his Excellency’s 2020 election campaign mantra of Making Edo Great Again (MEGA) and a vow to finish strong.
From the 13.5 km Ekenwan Road which starts from Siluko Roads Junction through Ugbiyogho to Ekehuan Military Barracks, Owina-Evbuotubu Road, Uwelu Road, Adolor College Road and Agbonkina Street, connecting Ekehuan and Evbuotubu roads.
Also under construction is 19th Street and about ten adjoining roads. Underground drainage and catchpit to channel erosion to the storm water plan are being put in place. Osamudiamen, Okundia, Omo-ojide streets around 2nd Ugbor and several streets around the Sam Ogbemudia Stadium have also received attention. To finally put an end to the traffic issues at Upper Mission extension and Ikpoba slope, the Temboga Road is being reconstructed with drains of various sizes to channel erosion straight to the Ikpoba River.
Speaking shortly after an inspection tour of project sites in Benin City recently, the Commissioner of Roads and Bridges, Engr. Ethan Uzamere assured residents that there will be no abandoned project as the present administration, which hands over on November 11, 2024 is determined to push through and finish strong, noting that work on Ekehuan Road will be completed by October.
He said that the onset of rains disrupted work but that the government intended to take advantage of the dry season to speed up construction work on the numerous road projects and alleviate the plight of the people.
Engr. Uzamere said, “A lot of construction works happen during the dry season. We have mobilized many contractors to site. We have completed Forestry Road, Eweka Street and many other strategic roads. One of the biggest problems in road construction in Edo State is erosion control. We are presently doing one on 19th Street, Ugbowo. As for Ekenwan Road, we’ll finish the first phase which terminates at the barracks by October this year.”
The state government is also constructing the Benin-Abraka Road, Ikpako-Ajoki Road, Sobe-Sanbongida-Ora Road, Okpagha-Amufi Road. The Benin-Ekpoma-Auchi Road is also receiving the needed attention.
In the Commissioner’s words, ” As a state, we have a lot of designs for alternative roads to the major stretch of federal roads. One of such roads is the Sobe-Sanbongida-Ora Road spanning 22.98km with about 6km side drains. There is a part that is just a short-term work and there is a part that is going to be like a major permanent work. That road is a good alternative route from Edo North to Edo Central, coming out around the Ekpoma axis.
“Work is currently on-going there now and we are hoping that right before October, we can close that road as well. The Amufi-Okpagha Road spanning 8.23 km, Owina-Evbuotubu, Adesuwa in New Benin, rehabilitation works on failed sections on Siluko-Iguadolor-Ogbesse Road from Iguadolor community to Okada and Ikpoba slope by DVD have been completed and a lot more roads with failed sections have been fully rehabilitated by this government.”
