Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has lambasted contractors handling the Benin-Sapele road project for the slow pace of work despite receiving financial mobilisation.
In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Fred Itua, on Monday, the governor summoned the contractors responsible for the section funded by the Edo State Government, demanding explanations for the delay or risk facing stiff sanctions.
Okpebholo personally inspected over 20km of the road on Sunday evening, stopping at several locations, including Peanut Junction, Ogheghe Junction by Akenuwa Community, and Ogheghe Road off Sapele Old Road. He expressed dissatisfaction with the pace of the project, noting that the suffering of road users has been compounded by gridlock and poor drainage design.
While acknowledging the quality of materials and pavement, the governor criticised the drainage plan, warning that the current design would worsen flooding. He vowed to revisit the drainage blueprint to ensure water is properly channelled out of town, guaranteeing a durable and lasting road.
“Our people are crying, and we cannot allow them to continue to suffer because of slow work,” Okpebholo said, insisting that drastic measures would be taken to make the road motorable and revive economic activities in the area.
