By Peace Udugba
The Minister of Works has questioned the capacity of the contractor handling a deteriorating road project in Edo State, demanding to know why the company accepted the project if it lacked the technical capability to execute it properly.
The minister raised the concern during an inspection of critical road projects in Benin City, where the condition of the affected road has continued to generate frustration among residents and youths.
According to the minister, the road should have been properly assessed before the contractor accepted the project. He maintained that the deterioration could have been prevented through appropriate engineering measures, proper planning and timely intervention.
The minister’s position has increased scrutiny of the contractor’s handling of the project, particularly as residents continue to complain about the impact of the deteriorating road on movement and economic activities.
Meanwhile, Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has appealed for calm and patience among residents as efforts continue to address the challenges affecting the road.
The governor made the appeal amid growing frustration among residents and youths over the condition of the road and the disruption caused by the ongoing work.
The inspection team later visited other critical road corridors in Benin City, including sections of Sapele Road, where reconstruction work is ongoing.
The inspection has renewed calls for the accelerated completion of the affected projects, with residents demanding lasting solutions to the deteriorating road infrastructure and the disruptions caused by prolonged construction work.
