Edo wants FG’s investment on roads in the state

BENIN CITY THE Edo State Commissioner for Roads and Bridges, Hon. Ethan Uzamere has called on the federal government to allocate more resources to road infrastructure projects in the state.

Besides, lamented the effect of high inflation on the construction industry in Nigeria while underscoring Edo State’s strategic significance as a major thoroughfare connecting various regions of Nigeria.

Speaking to journalists in Benin City, the commissioner

pointed out that the heavy traffic flow, particularly of articulated vehicles were straining the state’s roads, leading to wear and tear.

He said the recently consessioned Benin-Asaba road was being jointly handled by the two states assuring that work would soon begin on the road.

He said “There is a misconception that the state government does not work on roads that belong to the federal government and also when it comes to road construction to me in terms of administration we should look at systems. How to solve a system.”

While acknowledging the state government’s efforts to improve road conditions, Mr. Uzamere stressed the ongoing need for further investments to enhance road accessibility and alleviate congestion.

Despite the challenges posed by rising material costs, Mr. Uzamere emphasized the importance of adhering to high construction standards to ensure the durability of roads in Edo State, underscoring the need for infrastructure that withstands the test of time.

On the effect of inflation in the construction industry, Uzamere said the cost of one kilometre of road in Edo State hovered between N400 and N600 million, but that it is currently about N1 billion as a result of the inflationary push.

He said: “Most materials for the construction of roads like asphalt, bitumen, diesel and cement are benchmarked. The pricing has changed in the last few months. The price of cement has gone up astronomically.

“Last year, cement was sold for between N4,000 and N5,000 per bag but rose to about N9,000 by middle of January and now N10,000. The changes have to be fathomed into road construction.

“Only last year, we were doing a kilometre of road in Edo State for between N400 million and N600 million but by November, December, it had jumped up to a billion naira. You can imagine how much it is now. Change in prices affects contracts. There should be a general audit of road contracts.”

He added: “Edo state’s peculiarity to the country cannot be overemphasized and this is why it should always be accorded top most priority at Federal level while budgeting and allocating resources to road projects across the country.”