FG Takes Over Benin-Asaba Road Repairs After Concessionaire Disagreement
The Federal Government has commenced emergency palliative rehabilitation of the Benin-Asaba Road following a disagreement with the concessionaire responsible for managing the highway.
Minister of Works, David Umahi, disclosed this on Thursday in Benin, Edo State, during the flag-off ceremony for the rehabilitation of the Benin-Asaba Highway.
Umahi explained that the intervention became necessary after the ministry failed to secure the cooperation of the concessionaire, who, under the terms of the concession agreement, was required to grant permission before the Federal Government could undertake repairs on the road.
According to the minister, the concessionaire rejected the options presented by the ministry, prompting the government to take direct responsibility for the emergency rehabilitation works to ease the difficulties faced by motorists and commuters.
He clarified that the palliative rehabilitation was not awarded to Hi-Tech or any other contractor, noting that the Ministry of Works had only hired equipment to carry out the intervention.
“We have deployed over 50 pieces of equipment to the site, and we are bringing in more. The palliative work is being carried out directly by the Ministry of Works in the interest of the public,” Umahi said.
The minister further disclosed that major contractors had been directed to work simultaneously on the three sections of the Benin-Asaba Road to restore damaged portions and improve the road’s condition.
He stated that following the completion of the emergency intervention, the entire road corridor would be redesigned and reconstructed using reinforced concrete pavement.
Umahi also noted that the rehabilitation would cover sections where the existing asphalt had been removed, exposing the underlying road base to rainfall and further deterioration.
The minister had previously criticised the concessionaire’s handling of the highway, leading to the ministry’s decision to mobilise equipment and other contractors to address the failed sections.
The Federal Government’s intervention is aimed at improving road safety, easing traffic disruptions and providing relief to road users along the Benin-Asaba corridor pending the planned comprehensive reconstruction.
