Motorists Applaud Okpebholo As Edo Govt Begins Massive Road Repairs Across Benin Metropolis

By Rosemary Okoduwa

Motorists and residents of Benin City have commended the Edo State Government for commencing rehabilitation and repair works on failed portions of roads across the metropolis, describing the intervention as a welcome development that will improve road safety, ease movement and enhance the quality of life of residents.

The ongoing exercise, which takes advantage of the dry season, is being carried out by the Edo State Road Maintenance Agency (EDSRMA), which has mobilised personnel and equipment to undertake extensive road repairs across the state.

Residents who spoke on the development praised the determination, commitment and proactive approach of Governor Monday Okpebholo’s administration, expressing optimism that the ongoing interventions would make roads across the three senatorial districts safer and more motorable.

Some of the roads inspected during the exercise include Federal Avenue, off Boundary Road, Ihama Road, Adesuwa Road by Boundary Road Junction, Evbhukhu-Sapele Road; and the second junction by Faith Motors, among others.

Speaking to journalists on the government’s efforts, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of EDSRMA, Hon. Felix Ibhade, said the agency had commenced day and night rehabilitation and maintenance operations during the dry season to ensure that roads across Edo State remained in good condition.

Ibhade stressed that the exercise was not limited to the Government Reservation Area (GRA), explaining that several other locations, including Siluko, Ibiwe, TV Road and Ikpoba Slope, among others, would also benefit from the intervention.

He explained that the agency had continued to receive calls and feedback from residents drawing attention to failed portions of roads, assuring that such reports were promptly assessed and necessary action taken. He added that the agency’s mandate covered all three senatorial districts, as it was established to serve the entire state.

According to him, roads repaired since the rains subsided include the second exit gate of Government House, St. Mary Road, Federal Avenue, Boundary Road by AIG, and the second junction by Faith Motors, while attention was being extended to other locations. He said: “Any information we get on any bad road, and find it very important, we move to attend to such road to fix it.”

Some residents, including Mrs. Cecelia Maduka, Christiana Noah, Felix Odigure and Mongov Asema Moses, expressed appreciation to Governor Okpebholo for what they described as his commitment to improving road infrastructure across the state. They applauded the government for translating its promises into concrete action, noting that some previously failed portions had already been repaired and urging the administration to sustain the momentum.