Edo State Governor Godwin Obaseki yesterday launched the construction of 9.7km Uwelu Market Road with adjoining streets. The governor at the event said the project would benefit over 20 communities.
He reassured the citizens of sustained efforts to open up more communities for economic activities and development.
The governor, represented by the Commissioner for Road and Bridges, Ethan Uzamere, an engineer; said the government, as part of the project, was developing a mini water storm project to address erosion in the area.
He said: “This road is called Uwelu Spare Parts Road. We are doing a lot of adjoining roads around here. This is an old bypass road reducing traffic around here. We started working around one week ago immediately after the holidays to ensure this road is done well.
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“The total lots apart from Uwelu Spare parts market road include nine adjoining streets, which amount to about 9.7km. We are using new technology; some of the roads are done with concrete technology with rigid pavement and we are doing some major mini storm water projects as well.”
According to him, “the road will connect more than 20 communities, boosting economic activities in these areas. We have a major storm water project in the state and need to take water away from our roads as we have issues with water on our roads. We are focused on erosion control and also focusing on the mini water storm project around this area.
“This Uwelu Spare Parts Road has been bad for a long time and over the years, palliative works have been done without great success. There is a major erosion issue with this road. That is what we are moving to solve immediately and when it’s solved the road will last for a long time.”
The Chairman of Egor Local Government, Eghe Ogiemudia, commended the Edo State governor for prioritising the development of the area, noting: “The road is like a bypass connecting several communities.”
She said: “We thank the governor for keeping to his promise of fixing this road. The people of Egor will work with the Obaseki-led administration to ensure he finishes strong.”
The Chairman of Uwelu Spare Parts Market, Osa Collins, said: “For over 20 years, this road has not been motorable and we have lost customers and traders alike who have all moved to other markets in the state. The governor has done something great by launching this road as our unborn children will appreciate the governor for what he has done.
“The governor made a promise last year when he came visiting and today he has kept to his promise as construction of the road has begun.”
Others present at the event include the Chairman of Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Edo State Chapter, Comr. Odion Olaiye, youths and elders of Uwelu and Ogida communities, serving commissioners, permanent secretaries and traditional leaders, among others.