The Edo State Government has awarded over 860km of roads for construction, completing over 545.7km, while over 314.3Km others are at various levels of completion across the state.

The Commissioner for Roads and Bridges, Engr. Newton Okojie, who disclosed this while briefing journalists in Benin City, said over 100km of roads have been designed and are awaiting approval for award.

Okojie said the update became necessary to inform the public on the activities of the government regarding development of road infrastructure in Edo State.

The Commissioner said Governor Godwin Obaseki has since 2016 awarded 860km of roads for construction, adding that “bids for an additional length of 26.314km of roads were opened two weeks ago to bring the total of roads to 886.31km.”

He said, “As at April 2022, a total of 545.7km of roads have been asphalted, 314.km is ongoing while over 100km of roads have been designed and awaiting approval for award.

“Edo has about 9,700km of roads cutting across its landscape; 2,700km of roads are paved, while 7000km are unpaved.”

Okojie said the government is committed to the completion of all ongoing road construction projects, in line with the government’s urban renewal and infrastructural development drive, urging calm and support from residents.

He added, “We are collaborating with the Federal Ministry of Works as we conclude studies on Benin-Auchi-Okene Road to provide a functional solution to the perennial problem. Work will commence in the next few weeks to provide solutions to these drainage challenges.”

The Commissioner added that Benin-Ologbo-Sapele road, Uwelu-Spare Parts Market-Uwasota-road have all undergone studies which have been concluded on how to provide functional solution to flooding in the areas, adding, “Government is not unmindful of what our citizens are passing through this season. We will do our bit with the available resources to ensure our roads are passable.”

On his part, the Federal Controller of Works, Edo State, Engr. Aransiola Ademola said within the last one year, the Federal Government has executed eight special projects in the state, which include the Ologbo axis, Sapele RCCG and Ogheghe Junction, which is now passable.

The Commissioner for Environment and Sustainability, Engr. Jonathan Lawani, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to solving the flooding and erosion problem in the state, adding that the “Queen Ede Gully, Ekenwan, Iguosa, Ogiso, Emu, Ewu Gully sites have all been completed.”