From Tony Osauzo
Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo has approved the total rehabilitation of over 45 failed portions on the Auchi-Igarra-Ibillo Federal Road, as part of moves to revive economic activities in towns and villages within Akoko-Edo Local Government Area of the state.
The approval comes just as the state government has completed the construction of the Ikiran-Oke-Ikakhumoh Road, also in Akoko-Edo Local Government Area.
The Auchi-Igarra-Ibillo Road is one of many deplorable federal roads in Edo State being rehabilitated by the Governor Monday Okpebholo-led administration.
The road, connecting many communities in Akoko-Edo Local Government Area to the rest of the state, also serves as a link between Kogi and Ondo states. It is a major route for vehicles plying Lagos from Abuja.
Residents of the area, known for quarry business as well as processing of cassava, decried the difficulty they face in transporting their goods to markets.
A commercial driver plying the area explained that the deplorable condition of the road has resulted in fewer drivers using the route and has increased the cost of transporting goods from Akoko-Edo.
On his part, the contractor handling the project, Mr Bajwa Hammed, after a preliminary tour of the road, assured Akoko-Edo residents that all failed sections will be completely rehabilitated to meet the highest standards.
“There are a lot of points that have failed on this road, which need to be done quickly for the safe passage of people and vehicles. I know the standard the governor wants, and we will deliver on it,” he assured.
Recall that the people of the local government area recently protested the deplorable condition of the road.