Okpebholo Deploys Bulldozers For Benin GRA Roads Rehabilitation

Residents and motorists in Benin City, Edo State, have expressed relief as the state government commences the rehabilitation of dilapidated roads across the Government Reserved Areas (GRA) and other parts of the metropolis.

The intervention, which has seen the deployment of bulldozers, earth-moving equipment and asphalt-laying machinery, is aimed at addressing deteriorating road conditions, improving accessibility and easing the movement of people and goods within the state capital.

Governor Monday Okpebholo, acknowledging the scale of work required to restore damaged roads and improve drainage infrastructure, said comprehensive assessments had been conducted to identify roads requiring urgent attention.

In fulfilment of the governor’s earlier promise to address the condition of inner-city roads, personnel of the state’s road rehabilitation agency commenced remedial works at several locations last week.

When LEADERSHIP visited some of the sites, including Ihama Road, Golf Road, Boundary Road, Aiguobasinmwin and Ikponkpan Road, heavy-duty equipment and asphalt-laying machinery were at work.

The intervention has raised hopes among residents and motorists who had repeatedly complained about the poor condition of several roads in the metropolis, particularly the damage to vehicles and the difficulties associated with daily commuting.

A commercial driver who plies Ihama Road, Mr Richard Ojo Idemudia, commended the governor for commencing the repairs during the dry season, describing the intervention as a welcome development for motorists.

He, however, called on the government to ensure that the rehabilitation works meet acceptable quality standards and provide lasting relief to road users.

“I am happy that work has commenced on sections of the road that were almost impassable and were causing damage to our vehicles. It shows that the governor is listening to the people, and we are excited about the development,” he said.

Idemudia urged the state’s road maintenance agency to ensure that the ongoing works were properly executed to withstand regular use pending the commencement of more comprehensive rehabilitation projects.

“We also appeal to the road maintenance agency to deliver quality work that will last. We appreciate what we are seeing, but the repairs should be durable enough to provide lasting relief before the government embarks on major reconstruction,” he added.

Similarly, a resident of Upper Adesuwa, Mr Omoregie Igiebor, applauded the governor for responding to concerns over the condition of roads in the city.

Igiebor urged the state government to sustain the pace of work and ensure that other roads requiring urgent attention were not neglected.

He also stressed the need for consistent monitoring of the projects to ensure quality delivery and prevent a recurrence of the deterioration that has affected several roads across the metropolis.