The Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, on Sunday, inspected the second phase of the road projects slated for construction in Edo Central, as part of efforts to expand infrastructure and open up rural communities for economic growth.

The roads inspected include the Amedokhian–Iruele–Awo Road and the Unewa–Ohe–Uzea–Awo Road in Esan North East and Central.

Speaking to journalists during the inspection, Governor Okpebholo explained that the move was aimed at extending the gains of the initial phase and improving connectivity across communities.

He said, “The reason for this inspection is because the first section is already done. This is the second phase. From here, we are taking it to Awo, where the railway station is.

“It’s about 26 kilometres stretch in all. By the end of the day, we should be able to link up with other communities,”

He added that the project would significantly enhance access across the region, noting that over 15 communities would be connected through the new road network.

The  Governor said, “We are going to be linking almost over 15 communities around this area so that we will be able to open up this place.”

Also speaking, the Special Adviser on Projects Implementation and Monitoring, Engr. Williams-Bello Phoebe, said the project is designed to improve both rural access and economic activities, particularly for farmers.

She said, “This road will be connecting over 15 communities and it will lead to the railway at Ohe. We are also trying to open up roads to government farms around this area.

“What we are basically doing is to connect from the city and enhance intra-transport for farmers and residents moving in and out,”

She noted that the project area is largely undeveloped but holds significant potential, adding that contractors have already begun preliminary assessments.

She assured, “As you can see, it is still a virgin land. We already have a contractor who has come to scope the project, and others may also come in. We will move fast with it,”