Godsent Ogbebor
Gov Okpebholo Fixes Benin-Iruekpen Expressway
Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has completed remedial work on the Benin-Iruekpen federal road, improving movement for motorists and reducing travel time.
The governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Fred Itua, disclosed this in a statement on Wednesday, noting that the intervention has eased the hardship previously faced by road users.
During a tour of the road from Aduwawa, Obadan Junction, Ugha, Okhuo, Obagie, and other areas, Okpebholo expressed satisfaction with the contractor’s performance.
He reaffirmed his commitment to working with the federal government to improve road infrastructure in the state, acknowledging that federal roads also serve Edo residents.
“You can see what my administration has done in terms of fixing federal roads in the state. Initially, the road was not passable, and several accidents were recorded, leading to loss of lives,” he said.
He also recalled that a previous administration in Edo State had placed signboards on federal roads stating, ‘This is a federal road, bear with us,’ but emphasized that his government sees these roads as belonging to Edo people and will continue to fix them.
Highlighting the impact of the completed project, Okpebholo noted that travel time on the road has been significantly reduced.
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“A journey that used to take four hours now takes just 45 minutes. That is our achievement. Good roads mean lower transportation costs, which will also reflect in the prices of goods,” he added.
The governor also inspected other road projects, including the Ekiuwa University of Benin Road (Temboga Road Extension), Oba Erediuwa Road, and roads in Ekiuwa Uteh, Orior-Ozolua, and Ekiuwa Quarters.
At Uteh Temboga, he assessed a major drainage project designed to direct floodwater into the Ikpoba River, as well as a gully erosion site where houses had been lost, forcing many landlords to relocate.
“I work because I love my people and want to give them the best. Edo people deserve good governance, and the only way to show appreciation for their votes is to work tirelessly for them,” he said.
A site engineer, Obuh Ugochukwu, commended the governor’s intervention, noting that the filled gully has made the road passable again.
