Following a protest by residents over the deplorable condition of roads in Akoko-Edo Local Government Area of Edo State, the State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, on Tuesday approved the total rehabilitation of over 45 failed portions on the Auchi-Igarra-Ibillo Road.

Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Mr. Fred Itua, in a statement, said the decision was to revive economic activities in towns and villages within the Akoko-Edo Local Government Area of the state.

He noted that the latest approval was coming just as the state government completed the construction of the Ikiran-Oke Ikakhumoh road, also in Akoko Edo Local Government.

“The Auchi-Igara-Ibillo road is one of the many deplorable federal roads in Edo State being rehabilitated by Governor Monday Okpebholo-led administration,” he said.

“The road connecting many communities in Akoko Edo Local Government to the rest of the State also serves as a link between Kogi and Ondo States. It serves as a major route for vehicles plying Lagos from Abuja.

“Residents of the area known for quarry business, as well as processing of Cassava, decried the difficulty they face in transporting their goods to the markets.”

On his part, the contractor handling the project, Mr. Bajwa Hammed, after a preliminary tour of the road, assured Akoko Edo people that all failed sections would be completely rehabilitated to meet the maximum standard.

He said, “There are a lot of points that have failed on this road, which need to be done quickly for the safe passage of the people and vehicles. I know the standard the governor wants, and we will deliver on it.”

Youths in Akoko-Edo Local Government Area in Edo had accused the State Government of alleged abandonment and insensitivity to their plights.