Report:

The Edo State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to the timely delivery of durable and standard road projects across the state.

The Special Adviser to the Governor on Projects Monitoring and Implementation, Engr. Phoebe Williams-Bello, gave the assurance during a three-day inspection tour of ongoing projects in Edo Central and Edo North Senatorial Districts.

Speaking with journalists in Edo Central, Williams-Bello expressed satisfaction with the pace and quality of work, while urging contractors to sustain momentum. She commended Governor Monday Okpebholo for prioritising infrastructure development and ensuring prompt payment to contractors.

According to her, the government’s commitment to meeting financial obligations has enhanced project execution across sites.

“As you can see, we have covered about five kilometres at the binder level, and the wearing course will follow. We want to thank my principal, Senator Monday Okpebholo, because contractors are not being owed, and that is why they are actively on site delivering the work,” she said.

A contractor handling the 11.5-kilometre dualisation linking Ewu, Uromi, Igueben and Ekpoma, Engr. Michel Haddad, expressed confidence in meeting the project timeline.

On the third day of the tour in Edo North, Williams-Bello inspected palliative works on failed sections of the Auchi–Igarra–Aiyetoro–Unemu–Nekhua–Aiyegunle–Ekpesa–Ibillo–Ekor road in Akoko-Edo Local Government Area. She assured residents of the government’s resolve to complete projects on schedule.

“I am very sure that within this timeframe, His Excellency will deliver major roads across Edo North, Central and South. I urge Edo people to remain patient. We are addressing road deficiencies and will achieve significant milestones in the coming months,” she added.

During the inspection of the Ibillo–Igarra 9.6-kilometre road, she expressed satisfaction with progress but urged contractors to accelerate work.

The contractor, Engr. Bajwa Mohd, also assured that quality standards would be maintained, noting that the project had recorded substantial progress and would soon surpass 50 per cent completion.

Other projects inspected include the Irrua–Illeh–Usenu–Ukhun Road, Irrua–Akho–Illeh–Ukhun Road, Ewatto–Udo Road, Idumu Iyasele Road, Ideselu–Ewatto Road, and Ohe–Ozea Road.

The inspection marks the first quarterly project monitoring exercise led by Williams-Bello, covering road projects across the three senatorial districts of the state.