Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has called out contractors handling the Benin–Sapele road project for delaying the job despite receiving funds, saying the suffering of road users has become unbearable.
The governor, who inspected the project on Sunday evening, drove through the over 20km stretch, stopping at several points to check the drains, pavements, and materials used. He also went through the heavy gridlock on the road before halting at Peanut Junction, Ogheghe Junction by Akenuwa Community, and Ogheghe Road off Sapele Old Road, which he said also needed urgent rehabilitation.
In a statement issued on Monday by his Chief Press Secretary, Fred Itua, Okpebholo summoned the contractors working on the portion funded by the Edo State Government, warning that they must explain the delay or face sanctions.
Speaking after the inspection, the governor said, “I have inspected what they are doing and the work is solid and good. But the problem is the job is moving at a slow pace and people are suffering due to this. We have to do something drastic to ensure that the road is motorable and reduce the plight of the people who are using the road.”
Okpebholo also questioned the design of the drainage system, stressing that poor planning was worsening flooding in the area. “The second segment of the road which is another 7km will soon commence, but apart from the road, the drain is important to us because it is responsible for taking water out.
“Drainage is important and the design stopped the construction of the drainage system at the middle of the town. The question is, where will the water go? We will look at the design again to ensure that the one we will finally construct for this road takes water out of town to the proper place. When this is done, it will enable us to have a good and lasting road after the completion.”
He added that his administration was focused on ensuring that residents get relief soon. “Our people are suffering and crying, and we are out here this evening to check the level of work done and ensure speedy completion.”
