Lucky Obukohwo, Reporting
Former member representing Orhionmwon Federal Constituency at the House of Representatives, Hon. Patrick Aisowieren, has cleared the air on the controversies surrounding the agency responsible for the construction of Evbuobanosa-Igbanke road in Orhionmwon Local Government Area of Edo State
He gave the explanations on the road project while reacting to insinuations in some quarters that the road was being constructed by by the state government.
Aisowieren said the road project is being executed by the federal government through its own agency, the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) adding that the need to clear the air became necessary so that the people of the community could 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 contractors 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 said.
The former two terms House of Representatives members said the road, when completed, it will boost the commercial activities in the various communities.
He however expressed reservation as regards the quality of jobs being done on the road.
“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”, Aisowieren said.