By Editor
The Federal Ministry of Works has said that plans have reached the feverish stage to begin palliative repair on the Benin – Auchi/Okpella Roads.
The palliative repair work is said to start from the Ekpoma, Uromi, Irrua and Okpella axis of the road next week.
The Minister of Works, Engr Dave Umahi said this during a meeting of the various stakeholders in Abuja, said, the Federal government is committed to fixing all the bad federal roads across the various geo-political roads and assured road users of respite soon.
Speaking on the Benin – Auchi roads, the Minister said an SOS appeal by the senators representing Edo Central Senatorial Districts, Senator Monday Okpebholo necessitated the road to be given top priority among other federal roads currently being worked on
According to him, the federal government is not only committed to fixing the roads across the country but to also ensuring quality roads that will stand the test of time are delivered.
Responding, the APC governorship candidate, Senator Monday Okpebholo, thanked the Presidency for its prompt response to their appeal and ensuring workers are being mobilized to site immediately.
Stressing that the need to serve his people and bring federal government presence closer to the grassroot necessitated his desire to run for the number one seat in Edo State, Senator Monday Okpebholo said, he could not imagine campaigning on failed roads, reason he had to passionately appeal to the Vice – President to have work commenced.
Okpebholo said, “we want to appreciate the federal government and the Hon Minister of Works for their prompt response to our appeal to fix the Benin – Auchi roads. I am particularly happy by the material that will be used in fixing the road. The quality is something that will make the road last longer.
“I told myself it will not be proper to campaign on failed roads and we had to embark on this journey. I want to also thank my colleague and senior brother, Senator Adams Oshiomhole for his role and partnership in making this work come through”.
Earlier, Senator Adams Oshiomhole appreciated the presidency on behalf of Edo people for its prompt response and mobilizing contractors to site, stressing that, Edo people and indeed, other commuters on the road can now heave a sigh of relief as they ply the road for their various activities.
Thanking specially the Minister of Works, Engr Dave Umahi, Comrade Oshiomhole noted that, within few months, he has put in place actions to solve a problem that four to five ministers before him could not solve in decades.
“We appreciate your effort and commitment to this job. Hon Minister, on behalf of the people of Edo State, and my distinguished brother, Senator Monday Okpebholo, and the entire Edo community represented here by Maj-Gen Cecil Esekhaigbe, and others, we want to send our gratitude through you to Mr President”, Oshiomhole added.