Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has threatened to sanction the contractors handling the section of the Benin-Sapele road project being funded by his administration.

Okpebholo, who summoned the contractors, said the contractors would explain reasons for the delay or face serious sanctions.

Okpebholo, in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Fred Itua, expressed displeasure over the slow pace of work despite financial mobilization of the contractors.

He said he drove over 20km stretch of the road, stopped at several points, and inspected the quality of drain, pavement and materials used for the construction.

Governor Okpebholo said he stopped at Peanut junction, Ogheghe junction by Akenuwa Community, Ogheghe road, off Sapele road old road which was abandoned by previous administrations after several promises to the residents in area.

According to him, “I have inspected what they are doing and the work is solid and good. But the problem is the level of speed which is not good for me. People are suffering due to the slow pace of work and we have to do something drastic to ensure that the road is motorable, by reducing the plight of the people who are using the road.

“The second segment of the road which is another 7km will soon commence, but apart from the road, the drain is important to us because it is responsible for taking water out.

“Drainage is important and the design stopped the construction of the drainage system at the middle of the town. The question is, where will the water go to? We will look at the design again to ensure that the one we will finally construct for this road takes water out of town and desilt it at the proper place. When this is done, it will enable us have good and lasting road, after the completion.

“Our people are suffering and crying, and we are out here this evening to check the level of work done and ensure speedy completion,” he said. (The Nation)