OKPEBHOLO VOWS CONTINUED FUNDING FOR EDO ROAD PROJECTS

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By:Tajudeen Aminat

The Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has assured contractors handling road projects across the state of continued funding and government support to ensure substantial progress on the projects before Christmas.

Okpebholo gave the assurance on Monday while inspecting ongoing construction works on the Arue-Uromi-Agbor road projects in Esan North-East Local Government Area of the state.

According to a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Patrick Ebojele, the governor said the projects were progressing despite the challenges posed by the rainy season.

He said the state government would continue to provide the necessary funding and support to contractors to accelerate work on the roads.

“We are here to look at what they are doing. We have gone around several project sites since morning to see how far they are going, and the work is progressing,” Okpebholo said.

The governor noted that the rainy season had restricted construction activities, with drainage works currently receiving priority.

“By the grace of God, we are looking at what we can achieve between now and Christmas, because of the rainy season, nothing much can actually be done.

“The only thing they can do now is the drainage, which they are working on, and we are seeing the progress they are making across the various sites,” he added.

Okpebholo said the government would continue releasing funds to contractors as resources became available, stressing that the administration remained committed to ensuring steady progress on the road projects.

“Our aim is to make sure that we do our best to fund them. As the money comes to us, we also use the money to fund them. So, we will continue to strive to ensure that progress is made on these roads,” he said.

He expressed optimism that the projects would improve road infrastructure across the state and ease movement for residents and motorists, particularly during the Christmas period.

Meanwhile, the Area Manager of Setraco Nigeria Ltd., Michel Aoy, said the Irrua-Uromi bypass road would be nine metres wide on each side, with a concrete barrier separating the lanes and streetlights installed along the route.

Aoy explained that securing the right of way for the 18.6-metre road, alongside a drainage corridor measuring about 20 metres, had been one of the major challenges encountered during the project.

He, however, said significant progress had been made, particularly with the drainage works.

“Now we can see the drain executed, which is the hardest step of the project and which will normally take time with contractors,” he said.