The Edo State Government has taken steps to address the deplorable condition of the Benin-Abraka Road at Ikpe Waterside in Orhionmwon Local Government Area. According to Deputy Governor Dennis Idahosa, Governor Monday Okpebholo has approved the revocation and re-award of the contract for the failed section of the road. This decision was made during a meeting with Okaigheles, youth leaders, and residents from Ikpe Waterside and adjoining communities who had protested the road's condition.
The Benin-Abraka Road was divided into two sections and awarded to two contractors before the present administration assumed office on November 12, 2024. While one contractor completed about 76 per cent of its assigned stretch, the contractor handling the Ikpe Waterside section failed to deliver the project to the required standard. Idahosa expressed disappointment over the road's condition, assuring the communities that the administration would address inherited infrastructure deficiencies across the state's 18 local government areas and three senatorial districts.
The Deputy Governor assured the communities that palliative works would commence on the worst portions of the road while the procurement process for the re-award of the contract was concluded. He also stated that the local government would be directed to carry out emergency palliative works to ease the hardship faced by motorists. Furthermore, Idahosa promised to personally monitor the rehabilitation process to ensure that the road was delivered to the required standard.
During the meeting, stakeholders raised concerns over alleged forceful takeover of ancestral farmlands and their subsequent allocation to agricultural investors by the previous administration. Idahosa assured them that the government would examine the issues and ensure that appropriate action was taken. The Deputy Governor also acknowledged that most of the issues were inherited from the previous government and stressed that the Okpebholo administration would not compromise on the quality of roads being constructed across the state.
The spokesperson of the protesting communities, David Ehiarinmwian, stated that their grievances extended beyond the deplorable state of the road. He called on oil and agricultural companies operating in the area to demonstrate greater commitment to the socio-economic development of their host communities through effective corporate social responsibility programmes. Ehiarinmwian also appealed to the state government to review the buffer-zone policy relating to the allocation of land to agricultural investors.
Idahosa assured the stakeholders that their concerns would receive the attention of the government as part of its commitment to inclusive development across Edo. The Deputy Governor's engagement with the communities and his assurances of government intervention led to the voluntary dismantling of barricades erected along the road, allowing motorists to pass. The government's efforts aim to address critical infrastructure challenges and improve the living standards of the communities.
The Okpebholo administration's decision to revoke and re-award the contract is part of its efforts to address the state's infrastructure deficiencies. The government has assured the communities that it will prioritize the rehabilitation of the road and ensure that it is delivered to the required standard. With the re-award of the contract, the communities can expect improved road infrastructure and better living standards.
Key points
- The Edo State Government has revoked and re-awarded the contract for the failed section of the Benin-Abraka Road.
- The road's condition was attributed to the previous administration's infrastructure projects.
- The government has assured the communities of its commitment to addressing inherited infrastructure deficiencies.
