By Simeon OSAJIE
The Executive Governor of Edo State, Senator Monday Okpebholo has assured that his administration will continue to fund and support contractors handling road projects across the state to ensure significant progress before Christmas.
This was disclosed by Dr. Patrick Ebojele, Chief Press Secretary (CPS) to Governor Okpebholo and made available to The9JaTREND in Benin, the state capital.
According to Ebojele, the governor who gave the assurance on Monday after inspecting ongoing work on the Arue-Uromi-Agbor road projects in Esan North East Local Government Area, said the projects were progressing despite the challenges posed by the rainy season.
He said “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 rainy season had limited the construction activities that could be carried out, making drainage works a major focus at the moment.
“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 said.
The governor said the state government would continue to release funds to contractors as resources became available.
“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 reiterated his administration’s commitment to providing contractors with the resources needed to sustain work on the projects.
Okpebholo expressed optimism that the projects would improve road infrastructure and ease movement for residents and motorists, particularly during the Christmas period.
The Area Manager of the construction company, Setraco Nigeria Ltd., Mr. Michel Aoy, said the Irrua-Uromi bypass road would be nine metres wide on each side, concrete barrier at the centre, and street lighting along the route.
Aoy said securing the right of way for the 18.6-metre road, in addition to a drainage corridor of about 20 metres, had posed a major challenge.
“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.