Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State has directed contractors handling road construction projects across the state to work round the clock in order to beat the approaching peak of the rainy season.
The governor gave the directive during an inspection tour of ongoing road projects, including Mechanic Road in Egor and Catholic Charismatic Renewal Road in Ugbiyoko, where he assessed the progress of work. He was accompanied by the Special Adviser on Project Monitoring, Engr. Phoebe Williams-Bello.
Okpebholo said the state government would intensify monitoring of construction sites to ensure contractors accelerate work and meet completion timelines before heavy rains slow down construction activities.
According to him, although the rainy season has begun, it is important for contractors to increase the pace of work to prevent disruptions and ensure residents can access their homes and businesses.
“Although the rainy season is already here, our goal is to achieve significant progress on these road projects before the heavy rains begin,” the governor said.
“Take the Mechanic Road, for instance. You can see the level of work ongoing there. We must move quickly; otherwise, residents may find it difficult to access their homes and businesses.
“The same urgency applies to the Catholic Charismatic Renewal Road in Ugbiyoko. That is why I am urging contractors to work round the clock so we can complete a substantial portion of the work before the peak of the rainy season.”
The governor added that the road projects remain a top priority for his administration and assured residents that he would continue to inspect project sites across Edo State to ensure contractors meet agreed deadlines.
Meanwhile, residents of Mechanic Road in Egor and Catholic Charismatic Renewal Road in Ugbiyoko trooped out in large numbers to welcome the governor and his entourage, expressing appreciation for what they described as long-awaited government intervention.
A resident of Mechanic Road, Mr. Nosa Christopher, thanked the governor for addressing what he described as over two decades of neglect.
“We appreciate the governor for keeping his promises. This road has been in terrible condition and practically impassable for nearly 20 years, as previous administrations abandoned it. Governor Okpebholo has finally come to our rescue,” he said.
Another resident and landlord in the area, Mr. Julius Adedoja, who hails from Osun State, said he had previously considered selling his property due to the poor state of the road.
“I was already thinking of selling my house because living here had become extremely difficult. But now, with the road construction, life has returned to the area. People are moving in again, so I have abandoned that plan,” he said.
Other residents, including Mrs. Blessing Ihaze, Helen Okunbor, and David Endurance, also commended the governor for embarking on the project, noting that successive administrations had neglected the road for years.
They pledged continued support for the administration, describing the projects as evidence of a renewed commitment to delivering the dividends of democracy to the people of Edo State.