The Minister of Works, David Umahi, has apologised to commuters and residents of Edo and Delta states over the deplorable condition of the Benin-Sapele Road, saying the situation has caused severe hardship for road users.
Umahi also ordered the arrest of contractors, concessionaires and others found removing asphalt from federal roads without authorisation.
The minister gave the directive on Tuesday in Benin during an inspection of major road projects in Edo State.
He commended youths in the state for remaining calm despite the difficulties caused by the poor condition of the road, saying their restraint had helped prevent a possible breakdown of law and order.
Umahi expressed disappointment with the concessionaire handling the Benin-Sapele Road, alleging that the company lacked the technical capacity required to execute the project effectively.
He said he personally witnessed the removal of asphalt from the road during an earlier inspection with the Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, and directed the contractor to stop the practice.
According to the minister, the Ministry of Works does not authorise contractors to remove asphalt from federal roads without approval, describing the practice as “destruction of public infrastructure.”
He consequently directed all ministry controllers to arrest any contractor or concessionaire caught removing asphalt from federal roads without authorisation.
Umahi said the Federal Government had a responsibility to ensure that only concessionaires with the required technical competence were awarded road projects, stressing that poor execution of such projects could expose commuters and residents to unnecessary hardship.
