Edo State governor, Godwin Obaseki, has taken a step in ensuring that the failed portion of the Ekpoma-Abuja federal highway is reconstructed following mobilisation of workers and equipment to the affected portion of the road.
This is as the management of BUA Group, the cement producing company with a plant located in Okpella, Etsako East local government area of Edo State, was leveraging on the gains of the conducive business environment made possible by the Obaseki-led government.
Recall that Governor Obaseki had recently intimated the Minister of Works, Engr. David Umahi, of the deplorable state of the road and extracted a pledge from the Minister to act immediately during a closed-door meeting they held at the Governor’s Lodge in Benin City, in the course of Umahi’s inspection tour of some ongoing federal road projects in the State in early March.
Addressing journalists at the end of the meeting, the Minister had commended the governor for the high standard of some projects he saw that his administration was executing, adding that Obaseki was not cutting corners to make sure that the best and most desirable is what is available for the people of the state.
Also, while in the company of the Minister to monitor the situation at Ekpoma, the State’s Commissioner for Roads and Bridges, Ethan Uzamere, stated that immediate remedial actions were set for Benin-Auchi Road with Dangote and BUA cements and noted that the long-term plans involved road concessioning for sustainable infrastructure beyond the current administration.
He disclosed that a comprehensive plan has been proposed to alleviate the ongoing challenges, adding that a phased approach will be implemented, with one session dedicated to essential palliative measures, including the application of durable materials such as concrete.
Uzamere promised to contribute a land for the development project, noting that efforts will be directed towards engaging relevant authorities and community stakeholders to ensure a smooth and uninterrupted execution of the proposed improvements.
Not a few stakeholders have viewed this collaborative approach as a timely and welcome development as it aimed to address the long-standing issues on Ekpoma Road and enhance the overall infrastructure for the benefit of the community.
