The Federal Government has taken over the rehabilitation of the Benin–Asaba Road after terminating its concession arrangement, saying the concessionaire failed to meet any of three options offered for the project to continue.
Minister of Works Dave Umahi has now flagged off an emergency intervention tagged “Operation Rescue Benin–Asaba Road,” with significant work expected on the highway within the next four weeks.
The emergency intervention comes 30 days after the Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, accompanied by Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo, inspected failed sections of the Benin–Asaba Road following widespread complaints from residents and motorists.
Umahi returned to Benin City to formally flag off the intervention alongside Governor Okpebholo and a representative of the Delta State Governor.
Explaining the scope of the emergency works and the broader reconstruction plan for the highway, the Minister says the Federal Government was compelled to take over the project after the concessionaire failed to comply with any of the three options provided for the concession to continue.
Umahi also announced plans to reconstruct the bridge on the slope of Ikpoba Hill in Benin City as part of the intervention.
Governor Okpebholo and the representative of the Delta State Governor described the intervention as timely, commending the Federal Government for responding to concerns over the condition of the highway.
The Minister of Works says the emergency intervention will gather momentum rapidly, with significant work expected on the Benin–Asaba Road within the next four weeks.
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Editor: Ada Ononye
