Godspower Eguasa
As part of Edo State Government’s effort to decongest the city centre, ease traffic and create safer roads to boost businesses, drive productivity and sustainable development for citizens and residents of the state, Governor Godwin Obaseki, on Wednesday 24th January 2024, inspected the ongoing construction of drainage systems and road infrastructures at Uwelu, 19th Street and adjoining roads, assuring of completion before the end of his administration.
Obaseki who made the remarks while briefing journalists at the project sites in Benin, noted that the state is currently developing circular roads around the Benin metropolis, to ease traffic and aid business expansions in the State.
Obaseki said: “I am glad that work is progressing. As you know, the rains were consistent last year 2023, and delayed the work on this project. But we are taking advantage of the dry season. We hope it stays long, as you know, it rained again yesterday.
“The whole idea is to begin to build circulars on the eastern part of the city. Most of our circular roads are on the west. Now, if you are coming in from Lagos for example, you have to almost get to the city centre before you now make your diversions to other parts of the city.
“What we are trying to do is that; as you get into the city, by the time you are at Ugbowo; the University of Benin, you can now make a right turn that will now take you to places like Siluko, Ekewan road, and possibly, Airport road. So, it is like, we are building circular roads around the city for the ease of traffic”.
Obaseki while assuring of his commitment to ensuring the completion of the project before the expiration of his administration, expressed satisfaction over the feedback from residents and traders in the project environs, especially the Uwelu axis.
The Governor assured that as one committed to fulfilling his promises, he would continue to provide good governance and deliver the dividends of democracy to citizens and residents of the state.
Obaseki said: “This drainage is going to take water from the entire catchment. As you have seen, driving here, it is a bit of a low land, and it spans roughly, 20,000 to 25,000Sqm of space.
“For Uwelu, the people, traders, are quite excited, and I assured them during the last campaign that it is one road I will make sure I complete before I leave office. And they have come to see that when I say things, and make pronouncements, I make sure I live up to those pronouncements. It is one of my commitments and we will complete it before we leave office”.
In his address, the Commissioner for Roads and Bridges, Hon. Ethan Uzamere, expressed satisfaction over the pace of the ongoing construction works, noting that the 7.4km drainage and road construction currently in the works in 19th Street, and the 2.1km for the Uwelu environs, when completed, will ease traffic and boost business activities within the city.
Commending the Governor, Mr. Onasuyi Godwin, who is a Landlord and Chief Executive Officer of Deutschmann Hotel and Event Centre, sited along 19th Street of the Ugbowo environs, applauded the Governor for the laudable projects, noting that the roads when completed, will boost business productivity in the area.
He said: “I feel so happy, and I know this is the Governor’s hand; this is how he does his things. I am not actually here, but I am the owner of this place. Outside this country, we the diasporans are watching what is happening in the state, and we are pleased with what the Governor is doing.
“I am the owner of this event centre, Dutchman Hotel. It has been there, and for a whole year, nobody comes to patronize us because of the bad road. I am optimistic that after the completion of the roads, there will be business boom”.
