The Presidency has attributed the worsening condition of the Benin-Agbor-Asaba Expressway to the contractors handling the ongoing reconstruction, following reports that commuters were stranded on the road for several days.
Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Media and Public Communications, Sunday Dare, made this known on Wednesday during an interview with Channels Television.
Dare said the Federal Government acted quickly after receiving reports about the situation, with relevant stakeholders deployed to the affected section to assess the problem and demand immediate intervention from the contractor.
He acknowledged that the condition of the road reflected a failure on the part of the contractor, despite explanations offered by the company.
“I think that first, these are isolated cases. And we all know by the nature of road construction, during the rainy season, you encounter problems like this,” Dare said.
He added that the government had ensured that stakeholders were present at the affected location and that the incident should not be taken as a reflection of the condition of all federal road projects across the country.
According to the presidential aide, several federal roads have either been completed or are progressing without similar difficulties.
Dare explained that the government’s responsibility was to identify roads requiring intervention and provide the necessary funding, while contractors were expected to execute the projects according to the required standards.
“Whatever played out yesterday, we had all the stakeholders there. And it’s important that even though the contractor came out, even though he gave excuses, it showed a failure on their part,” he stated.
His comments came a day after the Minister of Works, David Umahi, visited the troubled section of the Benin-Agbor-Asaba road in Edo State.
During the inspection, Umahi apologised to motorists and other road users affected by the deteriorating condition of the major highway.
The Federal Government has since faced growing pressure to address the situation and prevent prolonged disruption on the strategic route connecting parts of Edo and Delta states.
