Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has issued a firm ultimatum to contractors handling road projects in the state, threatening to terminate agreements with firms that fail to deliver on time and to specification. The governor's stern warning came during an unscheduled inspection tour of ongoing construction sites across the Edo South Senatorial District on Saturday.
On-the-Spot Assessment and Contractor Warnings
Governor Okpebholo personally assessed the progress of work at several critical road corridors, including Church Road, Upper Ekenwan Road, Ogheghe Road, and the Sapele Road Bypass. The inspection is part of his administration's drive to ensure value for public funds and the timely completion of infrastructure.
Expressing clear dissatisfaction at some locations, the governor did not mince words. "We have gone round several places today. We were at Church Road, Upper Ekenwan Road, and we were not too happy with the contractors there," Okpebholo stated. He emphasized that contractors have been put on notice to improve their pace and quality of work immediately.
"We have made our observations known to the contractor on the need to meet specifications. By the time we return next time and nothing has happened the way we want it, we can revoke that job," the governor warned, signaling a zero-tolerance policy for underperformance.
Commendation for Performers and Race Against the Rain
While calling out laggards, Governor Okpebholo also praised contractors who are meeting expectations. He specifically commended the firms handling the Ogheghe Road and Sapele Road Bypass projects for their quality work. "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 Sapele Road," he noted.
The governor highlighted the urgency of the situation, linking the timely delivery of the projects to the impending rainy season, which could severely disrupt construction activities. "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," Okpebholo explained.
Roads as a Pathway to Renewed Hope
Governor Okpebholo framed the infrastructure push within the broader context of the national agenda. He stated that road construction is a fundamental method of restoring public confidence and fulfilling electoral promises. "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 asserted.
The governor was accompanied by top government officials, including the APC Deputy Chairman in Edo State, Sylvester Aigbobor. Residents in the visited communities turned out in large numbers to show support for the visible development efforts.
The specific projects inspected during the tour include:
- The 1.4-kilometre Charismatic (Church) Road off Ekenwan Road.
- The Old Sapele Road linking Agip, Ohogbohi, and Ogheghe communities.
- Ogheghe Road off Sapele Road.
- The Sapele Road Bypass.
This intervention underscores the Okpebholo administration's commitment to accountability and project completion in Edo South, sending an unambiguous message to all contractors about the serious consequences of delays and substandard work.
