Edo Roads: Okpebholo Administration Assures Residents of Renewed Construction Push After Rains

Kingsley Ohens reporting 

The Edo State Government has assured residents and motorists that ongoing road construction and rehabilitation projects across the state remain a priority of the administration of Governor Monday Okpebholo, with work expected to accelerate as soon as the current heavy rains subside.

The Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Prince Kassim Afegbua, Mnipr., gave the assurance in a statement while responding to concerns and commentaries over the condition of major roads linking Edo State with neighbouring states.

Afegbua explained that major roads connecting the state through its various entry points have been awarded for rehabilitation, reconstruction or other forms of intervention, but persistent rainfall has significantly affected the pace of construction.

According to him, the nature of road construction makes sustained work difficult during periods of intense rainfall, as adverse weather conditions can compromise construction activities and affect the quality and durability of completed works.

He cited the Benin–Ore Road as an example, noting that ongoing repair works have temporarily slowed because of heavy rainfall. He similarly pointed to the Benin–Agbor Road, where major reconstruction is underway under a concession arrangement, including plans for a 10-lane road.

The Commissioner also identified the Benin–Warri Road among the major routes affected by the prevailing weather conditions, stressing that work has commenced on the identified projects but that the rains have made rapid execution challenging.

Afegbua said the Governor Okpebholo administration, from inception, identified road infrastructure as one of its immediate priorities, particularly in view of the extensive deterioration and abandonment of critical roads inherited by the administration.

He recalled that the Benin–Irrua Road, which had suffered significant deterioration, received immediate government intervention, with remediation works undertaken to restore the road to usable condition within two months.

Beyond the major inter-state routes, the Commissioner said the administration has continued to invest in road infrastructure and other critical link roads across Edo State as part of its broader infrastructure development agenda.

He also highlighted the construction of the flyover at Ramat Park on the Benin–Agbor corridor as part of the administration’s efforts to improve traffic movement and modernise critical transport infrastructure within the state.

While acknowledging the difficulties currently being experienced by motorists and residents, Afegbua appealed for patience and understanding, assuring the people that the government shares their concerns and recognises the inconvenience caused by the condition of some of the affected roads.

“We share in the pains of our people and are deeply concerned by the reality of the present state of our roads,” the Commissioner said, adding that the government would intensify construction activities once weather conditions become favourable.

He assured Edo residents, indigenes and other road users that the administration remains committed to rebuilding critical infrastructure, improving mobility and delivering on its development promises.

The Commissioner urged the public to support the government as it navigates the current weather-related constraints, stressing that the temporary slowdown in construction should not be interpreted as abandonment of the projects.

He reaffirmed the administration’s determination to continue its infrastructure renewal programme and ensure that critical road networks across Edo State receive sustained attention as part of Governor Okpebholo’s broader development agenda.

The state government, he said, remains committed to delivering durable infrastructure that will improve connectivity, stimulate economic activity and enhance the quality of life of residents across Edo State.

Prince Kassim Afegbua, Mnipr.
Honourable Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Edo State