From Ighomuaye Lucky, Benin
The construction of Obanosa-Igbanke road in Orhionmwon Local Government Area of Edo State is being executed by Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) and not Edo State Government, former member representing Orhionmwon Federal Constituency at the House of Representatives, Hon. Patrick Aisowieren, clarified yesterday.
The former lawmaker who embarked on inspection of the road project with journalists, said it was necessary to debunk insinuations in some quarters that the road was being constructed by by the state government so that the people of the benefitting communities would appreciate the federal government and its agency.
“The purpose of me meeting with the elders in the three Communities is to let them know that this road is being done by the NDDC. It is a federal government project. It is not done by the state government or by an individual.
“We are hearing rumours here and there that an individual or the state government is the one doing the road.
So, we have to let them know that the road is being done by the federal government.
“It was attracted when I was in the National Assembly. In the 9th Assembly, I was a member of the Committee of NDDC and in the 8th Assembly, I was a member of the Committee of NDDC too.
“So, this road is an emergency regional project. This road started July-August last year and it is going to be terminated at Igbanke. They did it in phases, phase one, phase two and maybe phase three will now be terminated at Igbanke.
“So, it is good we let the people know about who is doing the road because somebody cannot be working in John Holt and be receiving his salary in Julius Berger. So, it is good to put the record straight so that the people will know that it is an NDDC road.
“I have told the contractor that he must put the signpost so that they will know it is being done by the federal government and it is an NDDC project so that the people can thank NDDC and applaud them for a good job done”, Aisowieren added.
He explained that the road, when completed, will boost the commercial activities in the various communities but however expressed reservation on the quality of job being done.
“The only problem I have on the road is that, it is not up to standard. I have complained and I have written petition to the MD and he said he will look into it because as it is now, I think I have been here twice to supervise the road”, the former lawmaker stated.