Okpebholo Steps Up Road Development with New Maintenance Equipment

By De-Patriot

Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to improving infrastructure and raising the standard of living of residents with the commissioning of newly procured light and heavy-duty road maintenance equipment.

The governor made this known during the commissioning of the equipment for the maintenance of roads across Edo State at the Ministry of Works along Sapele Road in Benin City.

According to a statement signed by Dr. Patrick Akhere Ebojele, Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Edo State, the commissioning marks a major step in the administration’s commitment to building and maintaining a sustainable road network across the state.

Governor Okpebholo noted that for many years, Edo people had endured the burden of poor road conditions, which he said had resulted in avoidable deaths, increased transportation costs, preventable accidents, slower movement of goods and services, and lost economic opportunities.

“Bad roads do not just slow down traffic; they slow down the progress of our society. They make it difficult for farmers to move their produce to markets, for businesses to transport goods, for workers to get to their jobs, and for our children to get to school safely,” the governor said.

He explained that the newly acquired equipment would enable the state to respond quickly to road failures, repair potholes, rehabilitate damaged sections, and maintain roads more efficiently.

“These machines represent our resolve to maintain our roads in a more sustainable manner. With this modern equipment, Edo State can rapidly respond to road failures, repair potholes, rehabilitate damaged sections, and maintain our road network efficiently,” he added.

Governor Okpebholo also charged engineers and operators responsible for the machines to deploy them with professionalism, diligence, and a deep sense of responsibility to the people of Edo State.
“Together, we will fix our roads, connect our communities, and move Edo State forward,” he said.

Reflecting on his assumption of office, the governor said his primary focus from day one was to fix Edo State and improve critical infrastructure, particularly the road network.
He added that his administration has aligned with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, noting that the support of the Federal Government would further accelerate development in Edo State.

Governor Okpebholo also revealed that his administration is extending its development efforts to the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) sector as part of a broader plan to position the state for future growth.

In his vote of thanks, the Deputy Governor of Edo State, Rt. Hon. Dennis Idahosa, commended President Tinubu for his support and expressed confidence that ongoing developmental initiatives would continue to improve the lives of Edo people.

Earlier, the Commissioner for Works, Felix Akhabue, said he met the ministry in a difficult state upon assumption of office due to the lack of equipment required for effective road maintenance.
He commended Governor Okpebholo for changing the narrative through the procurement of the equipment, noting that the development would greatly enhance the ministry’s capacity to maintain roads across the state.

Also speaking, the Chairman of the Edo State Road Maintenance Agency, Felix Ibhade, described the commissioning as a bold step that would strengthen the agency’s ability to address road maintenance challenges across Edo State, assuring that the equipment would be effectively utilized to keep roads across the state in good condition.