Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has expressed strong displeasure over the slow pace of work on the Benin-Sapele Road project, despite financial mobilization already made to the contractors.
The Governor, on Sunday evening, drove through the over 20km stretch of the road, stopping at several points to inspect the quality of drainage, pavement, and construction materials. He also experienced first-hand the heavy gridlock that motorists encounter daily. Along the route, commuters cheered the Governor for ensuring that both the Edo State Government and the Federal Government are collaborating to fix the busy road.
Okpebholo particularly stopped at Peanut Junction, Ogheghe Junction by Akenuwa Community, Ogheghe Road off Sapele Road, and the Old Road an area abandoned by previous administrations despite repeated promises to residents.
Speaking after the inspection, the Governor said his administration is deeply concerned about the suffering of Edo people and is determined to ensure timely completion of the project to restore economic activities in the area.
“I have inspected what they are doing and the work is solid and good. But the problem is the level of speed, which is not good for me. People are suffering due to the slow pace of work and we have to do something drastic to ensure the road is motorable, by reducing the plight of the people who are using the road,” he stated.
The Governor also queried aspects of the drainage design, promising that adjustments would be made to ensure the project addresses flooding in surrounding communities.
“The second segment of the road, which is another 7km, will soon commence. But apart from the road, drainage is very important because it takes water out. The current design stopped the drainage at the middle of town, and the question is: where will the water go? We will look at the design again to ensure that it channels water out of town to the proper place. That way, the road will last long after completion,” Okpebholo explained.
He stressed that his administration will no longer tolerate undue delays from contractors and has summoned those handling the Edo State-funded section of the project to give explanations or face sanctions.
“Our people are suffering and crying, and we are out here this evening to check the level of work done and ensure speedy completion,” the Governor added.
