Davidson Ogbebor

The Edo State Government has assured residents and motorists that work on major road construction, reconstruction and rehabilitation projects across the state remains a priority of the administration of Governor Monday Okpebholo.

The Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Prince Kassim Afegbua, mnipr, said persistent rainfall had slowed construction activities on several major roads, but assured the people that contractors would intensify work once weather conditions improve.

Afegbua said roads linking Edo State with neighbouring states and major entry points had been awarded to contractors for rehabilitation or reconstruction, stressing that the government remained committed to improving road infrastructure and easing movement across the state.

He cited the Benin-Ore Road, where rehabilitation work is ongoing but has been affected by heavy rainfall. He said the Benin-Agbor Road was also undergoing major reconstruction under a concession arrangement, with plans for a 10-lane corridor, while work on the Benin-Warri Road had equally been affected by the rains.

According to him, the administration identified road infrastructure as one of its major priorities upon assumption of office, given the condition of several roads across the state.

He recalled that the Benin-Irrua Road, which had been left in a deplorable condition, received immediate intervention from the government, with remediation works carried out to restore the road to use within two months.

The Commissioner added that the government had also invested in several link roads across the state and constructed a flyover at Ramat Park along the Benin-Agbor corridor as part of efforts to improve traffic flow and connectivity.

Afegbua acknowledged the difficulties faced by motorists and other road users, saying the government was concerned about the hardship caused by the condition of some roads.

“We share in the pains of our people and are deeply concerned by the reality of the present state of our roads. Once the rains slow down, we will speed up the works on the affected roads to remedy the situation,” he said.

He appealed to Edo residents, motorists and other road users to bear with the government, explaining that sustained rainfall could affect the pace and quality of road construction.

The Commissioner assured the people that the administration would continue to prioritise critical infrastructure and work towards improving road connectivity, mobility and the overall quality of life across the state.

He said the government remained committed to delivering on its development agenda and providing the infrastructure needed to support economic growth and sustainable development in Edo State.

The press statement is signed by Prince Kassim Afegbua, mnipr Honourable Commissioner for Information and Strategy Edo State Government