The Edo State Flood, Erosion and Watershed Management Agency (EdoFEWMA) has re-affirmed its commitment to ensuring that all ongoing desilting and flood and erosion control projects across the State are executed in strict compliance with contractual specifications.
Speaking during an inspection tour of ongoing desilting projects in Benin City, the Chief Executive Officer of EdoFEWMA, Arc. Emmanuel Fashanu warned that the Agency would not hesitate to sanction any contractor that fails to deliver according to the agreed standards.
“We will not issue any certificate of completion to contractors who execute substandard jobs because we cannot afford to waste resources on shoddy work. If you know you are not meeting expectations, retrace your steps and if you cannot handle a job, do not bid for the contract”. Arc. Fashanu cautioned.
He emphasised that the directive aligns with the mandate of Governor Monday Okpebholo, who has tasked the Agency with driving a climate-resilient Edo State capable of withstanding the threats of flooding and erosion.
“This is not business as usual. The Governor has made it clear that every contract awarded must contribute to building a stronger, more resilient Edo that can withstand the impacts of climate change. Any attempt to sabotage this vision will not be tolerated”. He added.
The EdoFEWMA Boss further urged erring contractors to immediately cover exposed slabs and evacuate desilted materials from the drainages, noting that this measure was critical to averting potential hazards to motorists, pedestrians and nearby residents and to prevent the silt from being washed back during rainfall as the August break gradually draws to a close.
The inspection tour spanned multiple project sites, including Upper Mission Extension Road, Urora, Erhunmwunse, and Igbinaduwa Road, among others, where the Agency’s technical team evaluated both the quality and progress of the work.
EdoFEWMA’s prioritising quality control reinforces the Agency’s resolve to safeguard communities, protect infrastructure and ensure that public funds are invested in durable solutions that address the long-term challenges of flooding and erosion in the State.
The Agency’s flood and erosion control initiatives extend beyond routine drainage clearance, focusing on safeguarding lives by mitigating flood-related risks, protecting the local economy by ensuring businesses and communities remain functional during the rainy season, and preserving critical infrastructure from recurrent damage. These proactive measures will enable Edo State to channel resources toward sustainable growth and development, rather than relying on recurring emergency relief.
Winifred Inarumen
Information Officer
EdoFEWMA
PHOTO CAPTION
1. Right: the Chief Executive Officer of EdoFEWMA, Arc. Emmanuel Fashanu during the inspection tour of ongoing desilting projects in Benin City.
2. On going desilting exercise at Erhumnwunse and Urora in Benin-City
