By Jethro Ibileke
The Contractor handling the construction work on the first flyover bridge in Edo State, Mr Andy Duan of CCECC, has announced that the project is already 20 per cent completed.
He disclosed this on Friday when the State Governor, Mr Monday Okpebholo, visited the project site located at Ramat Park, in Benin City.
The project which is expected to be completed in 18 months was flagged off in November 2024, barely one week after Okpebholo assumed office as Governor.
Duan assured the people that the company would work according to specifications.
“For this work which commenced in December 2024, we have done seven pillars, underground cross beams and other works are ongoing as we are doing our best to meet up with the construction period,” he stated.
Governor Okpebholo, who expressed joy over the pace of work, said he is not sleeping, as he continues to monitor projects across the State to ensure the jobs are done according to agreed specifications.
The Governor threatened to revoke contracts whose handlers were not working according to specifications and assured the Edo people that under his administration, Edo people would benefit from quality infrastructural development.
“We are not sleeping. We go around the State to monitor all our ongoing projects to ensure quality job delivery. Also, to ensure contractors meet specifications.
“For the Ramat Park flyover, the contractor is doing well, and I am impressed with the speed of the job done so far. If they continue with this kind of speed and pace, I believe they will complete the construction at the stipulated time. The materials like the iron being used and other materials are of high quality and standard.
“Inspecting projects across the State is a way for us to know those who are working and those playing with the projects they were given.
“We have gone to some sites, and we are not happy with what we met as some of these contractors are not meeting our targets and not doing the jobs according to specifications. Such contracts will be revoked.
“As an administration, we want to leave a legacy for our people, and we must ensure that we fulfil all our promises made to the Edo people. We will continue to inspect and monitor every project to put contractors on their toes to deliver quality jobs according to specifications for the benefit of the Edo people.
“I am not happy with the job of one of the contractors working for us and we will invite him on Monday for a discussion you may hear bad news because the way they are going is not the way a contract should be executed,” he added.