Protesters from Ikpe Waterside and neighbouring communities in Edo State's Orhionmwon Local Government Area have voluntarily dismantled road barricades and protest materials. This followed an intervention by Deputy Governor Hon. Dennis Idahosa, who addressed the aggrieved community members at failed portions of the Benin-Abraka Road. Idahosa assured them of Governor Monday Okpebholo's commitment to addressing the road's deplorable condition, which was inherited from the previous administration.
The Deputy Governor expressed concern over the road's condition, revealing that two sections had been awarded to different contractors before the present administration took office. One contractor completed 76% of its assigned section, while the contractor handling the Ikpe Waterside stretch defaulted. Idahosa disclosed that Governor Okpebholo had directed the revocation of the affected contract and its re-award to another competent contractor.
Idahosa attributed the deterioration of some roads in the state to the use of substandard materials under the previous administration. He said several roads had been affected by flooding, adding that the quality of roads being constructed under the present administration would demonstrate a difference. The Deputy Governor appealed to the communities for patience while the procurement process for the re-award of the affected road contract was being concluded.
The Deputy Governor also listened to complaints by community representatives concerning the alleged forceful takeover of ancestral farmlands and allocation to agricultural investors under the previous administration. He assured them that the present administration was committed to addressing such concerns across the 18 local government areas and three senatorial districts of the state.
Idahosa disclosed that palliative measures would be undertaken to ease the hardship faced by motorists, particularly at dangerous sections of the road. The local government would undertake immediate palliative work at critical portions while the process of awarding the substantive rehabilitation contract was concluded. He also assured the communities that he would personally monitor the rehabilitation of the road to ensure proper execution.
Earlier, spokesperson of the protesting communities, David Ehiarinmwian, expressed concern over inadequate corporate social responsibility by oil and agricultural companies operating in the area. Ehiarinmwian said the companies should do more to improve the livelihoods of their host communities through meaningful corporate social responsibility initiatives. He also called for a review of the government's buffer-zone policy relating to land allocation to agricultural investors.
The intervention led to the voluntary removal of road barricades and protest materials. Deputy Governor Idahosa assured the communities that the administration remained committed to the development and transformation of the state. The protesters had been demanding action over the deplorable condition of the Benin-Abraka Road, which had been affecting their livelihoods and economic activities.
Key points
- Edo State Deputy Governor Dennis Idahosa assured protesters that the administration would address the deplorable condition of the Benin-Abraka Road.
- The road contract was revoked and re-awarded to a competent contractor, with palliative measures to be undertaken to ease hardship faced by motorists.
- Community representatives also raised concerns over the alleged forceful takeover of ancestral farmlands and allocation to agricultural investors under the previous administration.
