Edo cracks down on substandard projects, threatens contractors

Edo State Government has issued a stern directive to contractors handling public infrastructure projects, mandating strict adherence to approved quality standards or risk being compelled to reconstruct defective work at their own expense.

The warning was delivered by Williams-Bello Phoebe, the Special Adviser on Projects Implementation and Monitoring, during an inspection of key road projects in Edo South Senatorial District.

Phoebe, who spoke with journalists on the sidelines of the exercise, said the Administration of Governor Monday Okpebholo had adopted a zero-tolerance stance on substandard construction, stressing that only projects that meet contractual and engineering specifications would be certified and accepted by the State.

According to her, Government has commenced a comprehensive monitoring programme covering Edo North, Edo Central, and Edo South senatorial districts, aimed at enforcing compliance and ensuring uniform project standards across the State.

“We want all contractors to understand that this administration is very strict on quality control. We have begun curing processes on projects that have reached pavement level, including binder and wearing courses. There is no room for substandard work,” she said.

She added that the enforcement drive was not only aimed at improving construction standards but also at safeguarding public funds and ensuring long-term infrastructure durability.

Phoebe warned that any contractor found to have delivered below standard would be compelled to redo the project at no cost to the state government.

“The burden of reconstruction will not fall on the government or taxpayers. Contractors must take full responsibility for any defective delivery,” she said.

She also advised contractors whose projects are yet to reach the pavement stage to comply with specifications proactively to avoid sanctions.

“We do not want it to appear as though we are witch-hunting anyone when corrective actions are demanded. Contractors should do the right thing before inspection teams arrive,” she noted.