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FG appeals to concessionaire to terminate Benin-Asaba road contract, as Okpebholo expresses concern over highway condition
The Federal Government has appealed to the concessionaire in charge of the Benin-Asaba Highway to allow intervention by the works ministry.
The works minister David Umahi, made the appeal on Wednesday at a stakeholders’ meeting in Edo State government house, stating FG’s desire to bring in competent contractors to execute the project.
The minister stated in the meeting which was convened to address the persistent gridlock and complaints from motorists on the highway, that the concessionaire had failed to add value to the project, 16 months after work commenced.
“Our directive going forward is that you should be removed from the site of this project, within the limits of our rights. You have added no value to the project.
“We are therefore pleading with you to give us written approval to proceed in this manner, we believe this is the way forward,” Umahi said.
Umahi also ordered the Benin-Asaba Expressway Concession Company Limited (BAECC) to clear all blockages on the highway, directing that affected sections be reconstructed under the supervision of the independent engineer.
The minister also called for the restoration of all removed asphalt, redirection of water once channelled onto the carriageway, and provision of technical design for proper stormwater canalisation.
“When you remove asphalt contrary to the contract and contrary to the specifications, that is negative work. It will not be recognised as part of the value of work done. In fact, the cost of rectifying the damage must also be established.
“We have not stopped you from working, but if you continue doing what you are currently doing, we are not convinced that you will be able to avert the potential for public disorder in that place,” Umahi said.
In his address, Edo State governor, Monday Okpebholo, expressed concern over the condition of the road.
“What we are seeing now is not what I should be seeing at this point after 16 months. Nothing has been done.
“You can’t give what you don’t have. If they are competent, by now we should have seen some part of this road completed. Minister, I advise that you do the needful. Edo people are watching,” Okpebholo said.
Mr Peterson Fabian, legal and compliance head for BAECC, appealed to the parties to allow more time for further engagement and collaboration.
“I believe that everything that is being discussed here is not conclusive in itself. We will have a more robust collaborative way of handling things going forward.
“Every stakeholder here, do allow us to have more time to engage. I believe that we will have more pathways forward to further collaborate,” Fabian said.
