The Federal Road Maintenance Agency (FERMA) has commenced the desilting of drainages on some federal roads in Edo State to help prevent ponding on the roads and flooding. It has also carried out repairs on some bridges and failed portions of roads such as the Benin bye-pass, Muritala Mohammed Way, the Ugonoba Bridge amongst others.
Managing director of FERMA, Engr. Nurudeen, who spoke to newsmen in Bénin City while inspecting works carried out by FERMA said it was part of a 12 weeks programme of the organisation.
Engr. Nurudeen who expressed satisfaction with the works carried out on Ugonoba Bridge along the Benin-Asaba highway said any available funds would be used to fix critical roads across the country.
Nurudeen stated that inadequate funding is slowing down the activities of FERMA.
According to him, “Sometimes last year, we got some funding and we quickly identified some very bad areas across the country. We used the fund to carry out repairs so that we can make a point.
“That was what we did between January and March in our 12 weeks programme.
This was done through the repair of bridges and township roads affected by bad drainages. I came to take a look at the contract for the special repairs of bridges along the Benin-Asaba express road.
“I am generally satisfied that we got value for money we spent. There are so many failed roads because of bad drainage system in Benin metropolis. Even though we have done a lot of work on the M.M Way there are still some sections that are bad.
“We will look at our purse and releases and then carry out expenditure. We will improve drainage on the roads and prevent ponding of the water.”
