Edo Govt Tasks FG On Failed Roads

The poor infrastructure and deplorable condition of most of the roads in Edo State which have led to the loss of economic resources is giving the state a lot of concern. Consequently, the Governor Adams Oshiomhole administration has appealed to the Federal Government to quickly fix the failed Adolor College Junction of the Ugbowo-Lagos road. This is to ameliorate the pains suffered by motorists who ply the road.

The State Commissioner for Works, Engr Francis Evbuomwan made the appeal during an inspection of roads under construction by the state government.

The commissioner who lamented the man-hours lost in traffic jams as a result of the failed portion of the highway said “the state government is appealing to the federal authorities, particularly the Federal Ministry of Works to come and fix this failed portion of the federal road as it is causing untold hardship to motorists in the state.

“We recall that the former Minister of State for Works, Engr Chris Ogiemwonyi had, about a month ago, carried out remedial work on the road but it was washed away after two rainfalls. Patching efforts on the road had failed in the past and we appeal to the Federal Government to find a lasting solution to the problem.”

While appealing to motorists who ply the road, Engr Evbuomwan said “we appeal to motorists plying the road to exercise patience, as the failed portion is being handled by the federal authorities. The State Government is expanding the road by adding additional lanes on both sides of the road and this is going on smoothly.”

Meanwhile, the state government has solicited support of the United States government to bring about meaningful development in the state.

The State Governor, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, made the plea in Benin City when he received the United States Consul-General in Nigeria, Mr. Joseph Stafford, who paid him a courtesy call at Government House.

Represented by his Deputy, Dr. Pius Odubu, Comrade Oshiomhole highlighted the landmark developmental efforts of his administration in just over two years and assured of more achievements with the support and cooperation of the United States.

The governor told the Consul-General that the style of governance in the state is anchored on the philosophy of “Let the people lead”.

The Governor told the Consul-General that his administration has pruned down the cost of governance in the state as N5 billion was saved in 2009 from the cost of running government, adding that the state’s Internally Generated Revenue which was a mere N300 million has been shored up to N1.3 billion monthly.

Giving a breakdown of the developmental efforts of his administration, Oshiomhole said

the government has embarked on massive road construction, schools rehabilitation and construction of a 5-Star hospital in Benin City, among others in other parts of the state, saying the support of the United States government would enable the government provide more infrastructure for the people.

Earlier, the Consul-General, Mr Joseph Stafford acknowledged the development of infrastructure in Benin City, the state capital, saying “the city is recognised at a historical level and plays a pivotal role in the economy of Nigeria.”

—Yomi Obaditan, Benin City