The Edo State Road Maintenance Agency has ramped up efforts to rid the State of potholes, with ongoing asphalt overlay works at first Federal Avenue, GRA.
Speaking with the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Hon. Felix Ibhade along side his Executive Directors and team of engineers who supervised the work said that a couple of sites that are up to Stone Base level will equally be asphalted after they are done with first Federal Road.
The entire works on the sites which involves cutting, excavation and removal of unsuitable materials, priming road surfaces and awaiting laying of fresh asphalt saw their crews working round the clock to ensure rapid progress. The work extends into the night as part of a continuous effort to meet set targets. About three to four trucks of asphalt has been deployed to carryout the operations.
The initiative was established under the directive of the state Governor, Distinguish Senator Monday Okpebholo who created the agency with a clear mandate to achieve zero potholes across Edo State within two to three years. All existing roads that are deplorable should be a thing of the past.
The MD/CEO while speaking on the progress of the project, expressed confidence in the timeline set by the governor.
‘Governor Okpebholo gave us a clear directive zero potholes in Edo State within two to three years, and we are fully committed to delivering on that promise. Our teams are working day and night, and despite the challenges posed by the rainy season. The people of Edo deserve better roads and that is exactly what we are going to give them,” he said.
“Significant progress has been made on road rehabilitation: Ugbetu Avenue off Ihama and Boundary Road, Golf Course Road, and the frontage of the 4th Mechanised Brigade have all been brought to priming level. Judges Quarters junction and St. Mary’s close to Government House are completed and awaiting asphalt, while Benoni Junction in the Elema Palace area has been primed”.
While the ongoing rainy season has posed occasional delays to operations, the agency confirmed that work continues during dry weather windows to maintain momentum and keep the project on schedule.
Residents are encouraged to be patient as the agency presses forward with its mission to deliver safer, smoother roads for all Edo State communities.
