Obaseki inspects Uwelu, 19th Street roads, others, assures projects will be completed before Nov
The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has inspected Uwelu Road, 19th Streets, and Power line road projects in Egor Local Government Area of the State.
The governor said the ongoing construction of road projects along the Ugbowo-axis is to enable his administration to decongest the City Center, build circular roads on the eastern part of the City which will take traffic away from the left flank of the City.
According to him, “I am glad work is progressing at these sites. The rain was very heavy in 2023. Despite the heavy rain, we laid the groundwork for this project and we are taking advantage of the dry season to continue the work we are doing.
“The idea of these roads is to begin to build circulars on the Eastern part of the City. Most of our circular roads are in the West. You have 1st, 2nd and 3rd circular roads that take traffic from the left flank of the City.”
The governor noted, “If you are coming in from Lagos, you have to get to the City Center before you take your diversion to other parts of the City. So what we are trying to do is that by the time you get to Ugbowo-axis of the City, you can now make a right turn that will take you to places like Siluko, Ekenwan and even Airport roads to reduce traffic.
“Our policy when designing road projects is not to focus on the road we are building but to see how we can drain the entire catchment areas. This is because if you don’t do that over time, when rain falls in those areas and water is not taken away, it will affect the roads. As you have seen in many parts of the City, drainage is very key and critical.
The governor expressed satisfaction with the level of work ongoing in Uwelu Road, assuring the traders that with or without the rains, his administration will deliver the projects before the end of his administration in November 2024.
“Traders at Uwelu road are quite excited about the construction of the road. I promised and assured them during the last campaign that Uwelu road is one road I am willing to complete before leaving office. The traders have come to see that when I make a pronouncement, I make sure I live up to it. It’s one of our commitments as an administration and we will complete it before leaving office.”
The Commissioner for Roads and Bridges, Engr. Ethan Uzamere said when completed, the road will decongest traffic in the City, noting that the length of the primary drainage is about 7.4km starting from the Ugbowo-axis through the Adolor-axis draining water away from the area.
“The entire stretch of the road is about 23.7km and the roads include 15th, 18th, 19th Streets; Lucky Road; Adolor College Road; Power line and powerline extension. Other roads include: Ohonre Street, Palm Road, Sebastian Street, Golden Gilead, Omoruyi, Osaretin, Ikponwonba, Aghamioghogho, amongst others,” he added.
Residents in the area, including Osaro Uwagbale and Itohan Obaseki commended the governor for the projects, appreciating the job done so far.
