Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has expressed dissatisfaction with the slow pace of work on the ongoing Benin-Sapele Road project, despite financial mobilisation already provided to contractors.
Naijaonpoint reports that the governor, who personally drove through the 20-kilometre stretch on Sunday evening, ordered contractors handling the Edo State-funded section to appear before him and explain the delays or face sanctions.
Okpebholo, accompanied by his entourage, stopped at several points along the route, including Peanut Junction, Ogheghe Junction by Akenuwa Community, and Ogheghe Road, to inspect drains, pavements and materials used for construction.
The inspection also took him through traffic gridlocks, where motorists hailed the collaboration between the Edo State Government and the Federal Government on the rehabilitation of the busy highway.
Speaking after the inspection, the governor said that although the quality of work was commendable, the pace was unacceptable considering the suffering of residents and road users.
“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,” Okpebholo said.
The governor raised concerns over the current drainage design, warning that it could worsen flooding in the area if not reviewed.
“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 to? We will look at the design again to ensure that the one we will finally construct for this road takes water out of town and desilt it at the proper place. When this is done, it will enable us to have a good and lasting road, after the completion,” Okpebholo.
Okpebholo assured residents that his administration remained committed to ensuring the quick completion of the project to ease movement and revive economic activities along the corridor.
“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 as quoted in a statement made available to Naijaonpoint on Monday, August 18, by his Chief Press Secretary, Fred Itua.
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