Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has said his administration is prioritising development projects as a way of addressing the needs of residents and improving their living conditions across the state.
Speaking during an inspection of ongoing projects, the governor noted that his government is focused on delivering infrastructure, particularly road construction, to support communities and enhance safety.
“The people that live on this road are voiceless. They don’t have those who can speak for them, but we are their voice. Constructing this road for them is a thing of joy as no one speaks for them.
“If we don’t construct the road for them, who will? I am here to work for the people of Edo State, so President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is also working for Nigerians and bringing hope to the people.
“Different buildings are already springing up at Ohoghobi and Evbhukhu Boundary. By the time we complete the road, economic activities will spring up, and the area will open for economic development and growth.
“This is a very large community. The people will be happy and thank God for what President Tinubu is doing for Edo people through me. I am happy that God has used me to reconstruct this road for them. I will remain grateful to God for using me to bless the people. ”
Providing details on the project, the site engineer, Engr. Frank Nwogu, explained that the work covers about 14 kilometres of roads, including drainage systems designed to manage flooding in the area.
“This project is a 14KM roads within Oghehe, Sapele Old road, and other adjoining roads. This particular road we are standing in is the Ohoghobi and Evbhukhu boundary, which is 2.5 km, and it’s an erosion control project. The drainage is 1.2 by 1 meter, and the thickness is 250mm re-enforced concrete pavement. This place is a water log and a collection point for water along all adjoining roads in this area.
“Over the years, this place was unpassable as the volume of sand here can testify to this. Vehicles can’t access this place as it even gets worse during the rainy season.
“This is the very first time that any government has considered doing this road. This is a high intensity road, and the capacity is not what the state government can handle, but the state government gave us this road to construct. This is the first time the governor is visiting, and you can see the levels of our work. ”
He added that drainage construction is about 80 percent completed and assured that the project, which will feature reinforced concrete pavement, is expected to be delivered by May 2026.
Residents in the area also expressed appreciation for the project. One of them, Mr. Peter Onu, said the road had been neglected by previous administrations.
Kate Obayuwana said the community had experienced years of flooding before the intervention. “I am happy that we have been remembered at last. This road is between Evbhukhu and Ohoghobi boundaries. This road will also lead to Evbhukhu market road.
Another resident, Mathew Ehikhuemen, said the area had faced flooding challenges since 2000, noting that the current administration’s intervention has brought relief.
The governor, accompanied by the State Deputy Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Sylvester Aigboboh, and other government officials, also inspected several ongoing projects, including the second flyover bridge at Adesuwa Road, Agbonze and Iyore Street at Ohoghobi, Old Sapele Road, Ohoghobi and Evbhukhu Boundary, Camplink Road along Obagie Ihriri Road, and the Evbhukhu-Amagba Road.
The inspection team also visited the Okpagha-Amufi Road, the water retention point at Amufi, and the boundary road between Iyanomo and Amufi communities.
