Okpebholo Threatens To Revoke Delayed Road Projects In Edo

Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo has issued a stern warning to firms lagging on project timelines and specifications.

The governor gave the warning during an inspection tour of ongoing road construction projects in Edo South.

In a statement on Sunday, Okpebholo said the inspection was aimed at separating serious contractors from those failing to meet agreed standards.

“We’ve gone round several places today. We were at Church Road, Upper Ekenwan Road and we were not too happy with the contractor there.

“We have made our observations to the contractor on the need to meet with specifications and by the time we return next time and nothing has happened the way we want it, we can revoke that job,” the governor said.

He, however, expressed satisfaction with the quality of work at other project sites, commending contractors he described as committed and professional.

“We have gone to three other places and I can see that everything is going well. I am very happy with the contractor handling the job in Ogheghe; they are doing a very good job.

I am also very happy with the contractor handling this Sapele Road. They are doing a very good job,” Okpebholo stated.

The governor stressed that his administration would not tolerate unnecessary delays, particularly as the rainy season draws near, noting that road construction remains a core priority of his government.

“We will continue to monitor these projects closely even at weekends. We won’t waste time because there is no time. The rainy season is almost here, and if we are not working, that means nothing will be achieved,” he added.

Linking the projects to President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope agenda, Okpebholo said infrastructure delivery, especially road construction, is critical to restoring public trust in governance.

“We must work in line with Mr President’s Renewed Hope for the country. One of the ways to bring renewed hope is through the construction of roads.

“That is how our people will know that they voted for us and that we are delivering on our promises,” he said.

Projects inspected during the tour include the 1.4-kilometre Charismatic (Church) Road off Ekhenwa Road, being executed by Place of Peace Investment Limited; the Old Sapele Road linking Agip, Ohogbohi and Ogheghe communities, handled by Rawtech Nigeria Limited; Ogheghe Road off Sapele Road, constructed by BRASS Engineering and Construction Nigeria Limited; and the Sapele Road Bypass.

Governor Okpebholo was accompanied on the tour by top government officials, including the APC Deputy Chairman in Edo State, Sylvester Aigbobor, and other senior government functionaries