By: Peter Emmanuel |
A civic technology platform, MonITNG, has raised concerns over the reported early deterioration of sections of the Ekpoma–Esan West Local Government Area Expressway in Edo State, calling on Governor Monday Okpebholo to investigate the project and demand explanations from the agencies and contractors responsible for its execution.
MonITNG, which provides citizens with information to monitor public projects and access public data, raised the concerns in a post on its official X handle on Monday.
The platform said parts of the expressway were already showing signs of failure barely months after construction, despite the road not yet being officially handed over to the Federal Government.
MonITNG said the development raised questions about the quality of construction, project supervision and the mechanisms in place to ensure that public infrastructure meets required standards before completion and handover.
It urged the governor to seek answers from the relevant authorities and ensure that any defects identified on the road are addressed before the contractors leave the project site.
Road Shows Signs of Failure Before Handove
MonITNG expressed concern over what it described as the early deterioration of sections of the road, warning that defects left unresolved before commissioning could become more difficult and costly to address after contractors leave.
The platform said experience with public infrastructure projects in Nigeria showed that getting contractors to return to sites after completion can become difficult, potentially leaving governments and taxpayers to bear the cost of repairs.
“But what happens after commissioning? Once the contractors leave, getting them back to fix defects can become a bureaucratic nightmare,” MonITNG said.
It argued that the reported defects should be properly investigated and addressed while construction activities are still ongoing, rather than waiting until after the project has been completed and handed over.
The platform maintained that ensuring the road is properly delivered before commissioning would protect public funds and reduce the likelihood of repeated repair or rehabilitation costs.
MonITNG Questions Project Supervision
MonITNG questioned the supervision and quality-control arrangements for the Ekpoma–Esan West Expressway and asked who is responsible for monitoring the quality of work being carried out on the project.
It also questioned why sections of the road were reportedly showing signs of failure before completion and called for accountability from the agencies and contractors responsible for the project.
“Governor Okpebholo owes the people of Esan and Edo State an explanation. Who is supervising the Ekpoma–Esan West LGA Expressway? Why are sections already failing before completion?” the platform asked.
MonITNG said effective supervision was necessary to ensure that contractors comply with agreed specifications and that identified defects are corrected within the appropriate period.
It stressed that concerns over the road should not be interpreted as opposition to the project, noting that residents want the infrastructure completed and built to last.
Calls for Proper Construction and Quality Control
The platform outlined several factors it said should form part of proper road construction, including adequate soil testing, appropriate sub-base preparation and compaction, effective drainage systems and the use of quality-certified asphalt and bitumen.
It also called for independent supervision and strict enforcement of the Defects Liability Period to ensure that contractors remain responsible for correcting defects identified after construction.
According to MonITNG, these measures are necessary to prevent public infrastructure from deteriorating shortly after completion and to ensure that government investments deliver long-term value.
The platform said Edo residents deserved infrastructure capable of serving communities for decades and reflecting the public funds committed to the project.
“Edo people deserve roads that reflect the billions spent and serve them for decades, not roads that begin to fail before the paint dries,” it said.
Platform Urges Okpebholo to Ensure Accountability
MonITNG urged Governor Okpebholo to demand explanations from the supervising agency and ensure that any defects found on the expressway are properly investigated and corrected before the project is formally completed and handed over.
It said the governor should hold the relevant agencies accountable for ensuring that the project meets the required standards and delivers value to residents of Esan and Edo State.
The platform reiterated that its position was not against the road project but focused on ensuring that public funds are used to deliver durable infrastructure.
“We are not against development. We want this road. But we want the Ekpoma–Esan West LGA Expressway built to last,” MonITNG said.
It added that residents were watching the handling of the project and urged the government to act before the reported defects become a larger problem.
“Mr. Governor, demand answers and hold the supervising agency accountable. The people of Esan are watching,” the platform said.
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