The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, on Tuesday, commissioned Sakponba and Sapele Road Junction improvement works, in line with the government’s commitment to improve the transport system.

The governor also commissioned a computerized vehicle centre for the Vehicle Inspection Office (VIO) in the State.

Obaseki who said his government has since 2016 focused on redesigning the State’s transportation system, said the State has continued to regulate the sector, ensuring a more effective and efficient system.

He said, “We started regulating the way people behave on our roads and set up the Edo State Traffic Management Agency (EDSTMA) to help out. We have seen a remarkable improvement in the system of transportation. We set up an independent board to manage transportation. We set up the Edo State Transportation Management Authority.”

On the newly inaugurated junctions, Obaseki noted, “These junctions are in the transportation master plan which is a part of the 30-year Edo State master plan. Edo State Transportation Management Authority is in charge of everything related to transportation in the State.”

He said his administration will install CCTV cameras to monitor the activities of motorists and check criminal activities across the State which will be linked to the command and control center.

The governor stated, “I want to thank various transportation unions in the State as they are part of the master plan. You have been supporting our administration and your support is key. I appeal to you to collaborate with EDSTMA to ensure all plans are incorporated into the master plan. We need your collaboration to ensure the plan succeeds.”

At the commissioning of the VIO Computerized Vehicle Inspection Centre, Governor Obaseki said the centre will help improve the worthiness of vehicles in the State, ensuring they are in good shape so as to minimize accidents.

On her part, the Managing Director of Edo State Transportation Management Authority, Mrs. Edugie Agbonlahor commended the governor for his developmental strides across all sectors of the State.

Commending the governor for the project, she noted that "this transportation management system will be replicated across major junctions in the State.

“The aim of the junction improvement work is to improve traffic flow and reduce the travel time of commuters. I appeal to pedestrians to always use the walkway as it's not for trading.”