By Herienta Olotu
The management of BUA Group, the cement producing company with plant located in Okpella, Etsako East Local Government Area of Edo State, which is leveraging on the gains of the conducive business environment made possible by the Godwin Obaseki led administration’s ease of doing business policies has mobilized its workforce to the much talked about failed portion of the federal government owned Ekpoma – Abuja Federal Highway.
Much kudos for this goes to Governor Obaseki who had intimated the Honourable Minister of Works and Housing, Engr. David Umahi on the deplorable state of the road and exacted a pledge from him to act immediately during a closed door meeting they held at the governor’s lodge in Benin City, in the course of his inspection of some ongoing federal road projects in Edo State in early March.
While addressing the media at the end of the fruitful meeting, the Minister had given kudos to governor Obaseki, for the high standard of some projects he saw that his administration is executing, stressing that he is not cutting corners to make sure that the best and most desirable is what is available for the people of the state.
Much later that day while still in the company of the Minister to monitor the situation at Ekpoma, the Edo State Commissioner for Roads and Bridges, Ethan Uzamere, stated that immediate remedial actions are set for Benin-Auchi Road with Dangote and BUA Cement. According to him, long-term plans involve 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.
The Commissioner promised to contribute an official 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. This collaborative approach aims to address the long-standing issues on Ekpoma Road and enhance the overall infrastructure for the benefits of the community.
Henrietta Olotu is the Public Relations Officer,
Edo State Ministry of Roads and Bridges
