Afuze, Edo – A civic watchdog group has raised alarm over what it describes as a poorly executed road project in Afuze Market Road, Owan East Local Government Area (LGA), accusing local authorities of wasting millions of naira in public funds on substandard work.

The claims, posted on X by MonITNG, a platform focused on tracking public projects, highlight concerns about construction quality, safety hazards, and misplaced priorities in infrastructure development.

The post, shared on Saturday, includes a video showing workers manually spreading a thin layer of concrete over unprepared red dirt soil in a market area lined with rundown stalls and buildings under construction.

Frames from the footage depict rudimentary methods as laborers using basic tools to level wet cement without visible machinery, compaction equipment, or drainage features. Trash and debris litter the site, underscoring the alleged lack of proper site preparation.

MonITNG argues that the project skips essential engineering steps, such as soil testing, compacted sub-bases, and adequate curing, predicting rapid failure during rainy seasons.

"This is Afuze Market Road... a project reportedly worth millions of naira and facilitated by the local government chairman, yet its execution raises serious concerns about quality, safety, and value for public money," the post states.

It further criticizes the absence of drainage systems, calling the road vulnerable to erosion and flooding, and labels it a "safety risk" that could result in "wasted public resources."

The group also points to broader issues, noting that funds might have been better allocated to renovating the dilapidated Afuze Market itself, where traders face unsafe and unhygienic conditions.

MonITNG called on the Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo, the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), urging an immediate investigation.

"Public funds must serve the people, not be wasted on substandard work," the post concludes

The allegations come amid a pattern of scrutiny over road projects in Edo State.

Local residents in Owan East have long advocated for better infrastructure, with past videos showcasing community-led efforts and federal interventions under previous administrations.

However, no official response from the Edo State Government, the local chairman, or the anti-corruption agencies has been issued as of the time of filing this report.

As Edo State pushes for "all-round development," this incident underscores the challenges of ensuring durable, safe infrastructure in rural areas. Investigations, if launched, could reveal whether the Afuze Market Road project aligns with approved standards or represents a misuse of funds.

Residents and watchdogs alike await action to prevent what MonITNG calls an "unacceptable" outcome.