The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki led other government functionaries to inspect ongoing road construction projects in Ekehuan, Ugbiyoko and environs.
Speaking to journalists after the inspection, Obaseki, reassured on the completion of the construction projects before leaving office, noting that the road is very significant as it leads to Gelegele which is the closest point to the Benin Port.
Obaseki was accompanied by the Commissioner for Road and Bridges, Ethan Uzamere; Commissioner for Public Safety and Security, Kingsley Uwagbale and other top government officials.
According to him, “This is a very significant road, and the main road leading to Igbine, Gelegele, and the closest point to the Benin Port Project. Initially, we would need this road to move men and materials during construction to the Benin River Port.
“Subsequently, part of the Benin Port Project is to build a dedicated road to move traffic but between now and when the Port will be completed, this will be the major arteries. When we did our last survey, we had nothing less than 100,000 persons dwelling in this neighborhood as it’s a highly populated area and these are our citizens. Hence, there is no reason why they should continue to endure the hardship caused by this road.”
Obaseki reassured, “Like I said, every major project I started, I will complete them before leaving office in November 2024.”
On his part, the contractor of the Ekehuan Road Project, Engr. Ighiere Duke noted that by October 2024, the road project would have been concluded.
He said, “We have started the earthwork and concrete work simultaneously and by the end of March 2024, asphalt work would have started. Our target is that by October 2024, anything about Ekehuan Road will be completed and commuters and residents living on Ekehuan Road will have reasons to smile and thank the governor for the work.”
Also, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Roads and Bridges, Ferguson Enabulele said concrete technology has been deployed in constructing roads in the State since 2016.
He stated, “When Obaseki took office in 2016, concrete technology was one of the technologies he used for road construction. It was used in Navies and Ogieva Streets Projects.
“From 2016 till date, Navies and Ogieva Streets have been intact. When we carried out the design of Ekenwan Road, we discovered that there are associated spot segments that have low line areas. The governor suggested the use of this technology which may last for a minimum of 70 years and we decided to use this technology for low-line areas.”
The Permanent Secretary added, “The technology is good and it may be used in the construction of other roads across the State.”
A resident of the area, Mr. Uche Nwanbuzo thanked the governor for the road construction project, noting that he is satisfied with the level of work.
A bus driver plying the Ekenhuan –Ring Road route, Mrs. Precious Nwango, commended the governor for his developmental strides across the State.
