The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has flagged off construction work on the 3km Temboga Road in the Ikpoba Hill axis of Ikpoba-Okha Local Government Area of the State, to decongest traffic in the area.
The governor, while flagging off the road reconstruction project, said his government has concluded plans for the development of a 70-hectare new city in Ikpoba-Okha LGA of the State.
Obaseki urged the residents to disregard lies and falsehoods peddled by detractors and enemies of development to discredit his government’s performance in the last six years, reassuring that his government will not be distracted but focused on delivering the dividends of democracy to Edo people.
“I don’t like to flag off or commission projects but have been forced to do so, as those living in our communities know and see the work we do, but we have to change strategy to let those who don’t live in those environments and communities see and be informed of our developmental achievements in the State,” the governor said
He further noted, “This axis is one of those experiencing rapid population growth. In the evening, when I see the amount of traffic going to Ikpoba slope, I am concerned and as a government, we have been working on how to solve the traffic problems we have in Benin City and some other cities in Edo State.
“The reconstruction of Temboga Road is very important for traffic control as it can help take traffic from Ikpoba Hill to Mission Road, creating other routes and easing traffic in Ikpoba slope. It will help us decongest traffic on Ikpoba slope.”
According to the governor, “We are working on other projects. We are in talks with the Nigerian Army and have released the land that was given to them during the Civil War which is about 70 hectares and intends to build a new city in Oregbeni. As soon as we finish work in Emotan Gardens, we will move to Oregbeni. We anticipate an increase in population here as such, it is important to build more infrastructure, particularly roads for those that will be living here.
“I have also told the contractor that there must be streetlights on this road when it’s reconstructed to guarantee security and safety at night. I have spoken with the contractor that I want to commission this road within 12 months. They have promised that by this time next year, we would be back to commission this road.”
Also speaking, the Permanent Secretary, Roads and Bridges, Engr. Osikhena Ojior, assured speedy completion of the project, noting, “We will have three appropriately-sized concrete culverts to carry the flood water from the right-hand side to the left and the width of the road is approximately nine meters.”
In his response, Elder Festus Omoriyekemwen, who spoke on behalf of the Utah Ne-Urekpoki Community, hailed the governor’s developmental strides across the state, adding, “We thank you for giving us light on our streets. Before now, the Upper Mission extension was usually very dark at night, as well as the Ikpoba slope axis. All these areas, among others, are now well illuminated with the ongoing light-up project across the State.”
