Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has expressed displeasure over the slow pace of work on the ongoing Benin-Sapele road project despite the financial mobilisation of contractors.
In a statement on Monday by the governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Fred Itua, Okpebholo also summoned the contractors handling the section of the road project funded by the Edo State Government, to explain reasons for the delay or face serious sanctions.
The governor drove through the over 20km stretch of road, stopped at several points, and inspected the quality of drain, pavement and materials used for the construction.
The inspection which occurred on Sunday evening, took the governor and his entourage through the gridlock on the road.
The governor stopped at Peanut Junction, Ogheghe Junction by Akenuwa Community, Ogheghe Road, off Sapele Old Road which also needs rehabilitation.
Okpebholo who spoke after the inspection, said his administration is concerned about the well-being of Edo people, and it is making a move to ensure the road is completed in time to end the plight of the people and revive the economic activities in the area.
He 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.”
The governor queried the design of the drainage and assured Edo people that his administration would look at the design of the drainage system to address the flooding menace.
He added, “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.
“Our people are suffering and crying, and we are out here this evening to check the level of work done and ensure speedy completion.”
