By Simeon OSAJIE
Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has commended road contractors delivering quality jobs across Edo South Senatorial District, while warning firms lagging behind to sit up or risk losing their contracts.
This was disclosed in a statement signed by the Chief Press Secretary to the state governor, Dr. Patrick Akhere Ebojele made available to journalists in Benin, the state capital.
Ebojele who stated that Governor Okpebholo gave the commendation during an inspection tour of ongoing road construction projects in Edo South, as part of his administration’s push to ensure timely delivery and value for public funds noting that the inspection was necessary to separate serious contractors from those failing to meet agreed standards and timelines.
“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 warned.
He, however, expressed satisfaction with work quality at other project sites, praising contractors who have shown commitment and professionalism.
“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,” he said.
Governor Okpebholo stressed that his administration would not tolerate unnecessary delays, especially with the rainy season fast approaching, noting that road infrastructure remains a top priority.
“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 Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope agenda, the governor said road construction is one of the most visible ways to restore public confidence 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,” Okpebholo said.
The projects inspected include the 1.4-kilometre Charismatic (Church) Road off Ekhenwa Road, being handled by Place of Peace Investment Limited; the Old Sapele Road linking Agip, Ohogbohi and Ogheghe communities, executed by Rawtech Nigeria Limited; Ogheghe Road off Sapele Road, handled by BRASS Engineering and Construction Nigeria Limited; and the Sapele Road Bypass.
Residents of the benefiting communities trooped out in large numbers during the inspection, openly praising the governor for what they described as visible and impactful development.
Governor Okpebholo was accompanied on the tour by top government officials, including the APC Deputy Chairman in the state, Sylvester Aigbobor, and other senior government functionaries.