EDSG Cracks Down on Firm Over Benin Bypass Damage

By Rosemary Okoduwa

The Edo State Government has ordered the immediate repair of a damaged section of the Benin Bypass after haulage equipment belonging to Build Well Nigeria Limited destroyed part of the federal highway, disrupting the free flow of traffic.

The directive followed an inspection of the affected section at Idogbo on Monday by the Special Adviser to Governor Monday Okpebholo on Project Implementation and Monitoring, Phoebe Williams-Bello.

Williams-Bello disclosed that Build Well Nigeria Limited had accepted responsibility for the damage and signed a formal undertaking to carry out palliative repairs on approximately 150 metres of the affected road.

She explained that the state government would work with relevant agencies to ensure the repairs are carried out in line with approved engineering standards.
“Following our inspection, the company responsible has accepted liability and signed an undertaking to carry out palliative repairs on about 150 metres of the damaged road. We will also meet with all relevant stakeholders to ensure the repair work meets the required engineering standards,” she said.

She reiterated that Governor Monday Okpebholo’s administration remains committed to protecting public infrastructure and ensuring that individuals and companies responsible for damaging government assets are held accountable.

The Federal Controller of Works in Edo State, Babatunde Tajudeen, condemned the incident, describing the damage as unacceptable. He noted that the Benin Bypass is a vital federal road and stressed the need for its immediate restoration.

According to him, the damaged section is part of an ongoing 45-kilometre rehabilitation project being executed by China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC), stretching from Oluku Junction to Sapele Road.

Chairman of the Edo State Public Property Protection Committee, Eugene Okolosie, said officials swiftly intercepted those responsible for the incident. He disclosed that the haulage equipment involved had been impounded and would remain in the committee’s custody pending the conclusion of investigations and compliance with government directives.

Also present during the inspection were the Permanent Secretary, Edo State Ministry of Works, John Obanor, who assured that the ministry would monitor the repairs to ensure strict adherence to quality standards, and the representative of Build Well Nigeria Limited, Samuel Opeyemi, who pledged the company’s full cooperation and commitment to completing the agreed repair works promptly.