By Gabriel Enogholase
BENIN—FEDERAL  Roads Maintenance Agency, FERMA,  has commenced the de-silting of drainages on some federal roads in Edo State with a view to preventing ponding on the roads and flooding during this rainy season.

Edo State Government officials with contractors during inspection of on-going work at the Uwelu axis of the Benin Storm Water Project, in Benin City.

The agency also carried out repairs on some bridges and failed portions of roads in the state including the Benin by-pass, Murtala Mohammed Way and the Ugonoba bridge amongst others.

Managing Director of FERMA, Mr. Nurudeen Rafindadi, who spoke to newsmen in Benin City while inspecting repair works carried out by the agency,  said it was part of a 12 weeks programme of the organisation.

Nurudeen, who expressed satisfaction with the repair work carried out on Ugonoba bridge along the Bénin-Asaba dual carriageway, said that  although there was paucity of fund in the agency, any available funds would be used to fix critical roads across the country.

Nurudeen stated the inadequate funding to FERMA slowed down its activities.

He said, “Sometimes last year, we got some funds and we quickly identified some very bad areas across the country. We used the funds 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, which repairs done on  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 Bénin-Asaba dual carriageway.

“I am generally satisfied that we got value for money we spent. There are so many failed roads because of bad drainage system in Bénin metropolis. Even though we have done a lot of work on the Murtala Muhammed 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.”