Abandoned water project: Minister seeks Oba Ewuare’s intervention

The Minister of State for Budget and National Planning, Prince Clem Ikanade Agba has pleaded with the Oba of Benin, Omo N’Oba N’Edo Uku Akpolokpolo, Oba Ewuare II, to request the Edo state government to give attention to the continuation of the Benin storm water master plan.

The water plan was initiated by the administration of former Governor Adams Oshiomhole to address the menace of perennial flooding in Benin City.

The minister made the remarks during a courtesy visit to the Oba in his palace in Benin City, Thursday, amidst concerns by residents of the state capital over the hardship they experienced this year on account of flooding.

Agba said the storm water master plan, which was aimed at combating the perennial flooding in Benin City, was the most significant and ambitious attempt ever.

According to him, after the attempt by the administration of the late General Samuel Osaigbovo Ogbemudia to solve the problem, no other administration before Oshiomhole’s administration had done anything as significant as the storm water master plan.

“Nobody should play politics with the flooding problems of the city. The final solution to the flooding in many parts of the city requires up to 30 years of continuous implementation of the Benin Storm Water Master Plan as advised by experts.

“The so-called N30 billion expended on the project included the construction of at least nine roads and several underground primary drains which people cannot readily see.

“It took the courage of a visionary leader like Comrade Oshiomole to undertake the projects by refusing to play to the gallery. Most of the executed projects were not for public relations, which, unfortunately most public office holders either covet or indulge in.

“Your Royal Majesty, the present government in Edo state should be encouraged to continue the implementation of the master plan in the interest of the people.

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