Works Minister, Edo Gov. Inspect Benin–Agbor-Asaba Highway

The Minister of Works, Dave Umahi has apologised to users of the dilapidated sections of the Benin to Asaba express road over the hardship occasioned by a gridlock.

He has also ordered immediate intervention on the failed sections, while faulting the concessionaire handling the project for the worsening condition of the highway.

For people who depend on the Benin–Agbor–Asaba Expressway to work, trade or travel between States, the worsening condition of the road has become a nightmare.

Residents and motorists have about the hardship caused by the failed sections.

The road, which is under concession to the Benin–Asaba Expressway Concession Company, BAECC, has seen work slowed by heavy rainfall and heavy traffic, according to the CEO, Samuel Daramola.
But an Independent Engineer on the project, Engineer Toyin Akinlakpaida, said the concessionaire failed to follow professional advice on the construction sequence.

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The situation has also drawn concern from Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, who commended President Bola Tinubu for responding to the plight of road users.

Also, the Minister of Works, David Umahi, has accused the concessionaire of poor execution and destruction of public assets.

Among those that inspected the failed road are Senate and House Committee Chairmen on Works, Senator Allwell Onyesoh and Akin Alabi, as well as NDDC Managing Director, Samuel Ogbuku.

They called for urgent action and a review of the concession arrangement to prevent a repeat of the situation.

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(Editor: Ken Eseni)