The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has berated the state government for the poor utilisation of the N30 billion loans, which it took for a water storm project.

The party’s state’s Chairman, Dan Orbih, gave the condemnation at a campaign rally at Evbarake Motors spare parts market, near Benin City.

Orbih alleged that while not less than N20 billion of the loan has been released to the contractor, only less than 30 per cent of the work has been done.

He therefore urged the traders not to partake in the loan process that is currently going on, as it is a decoy by the government to curry their votes.

He said: “It is a cause for concern that whereas the Benin storm water project was designed to check the menace of flood in the city, the project has aggravated the havoc, because any time it rains, the city is more flooded than usual.”

According to him: “These people think we are fools, they are defrauding the people, they are stealing public monies, collecting taxes and levies from you to pay themselves and yet they want you to vote for continuity.”

Lamenting the plight of the traders, many of whom he alleged have relocated outside the state due to prohibitive and multiple taxes, Orbih urged them to reject the APC on September 10 with their votes.

“This government is not fair to traders. When they promised new markets, they have only given you taxes and levies. When they tell you to vote for continuity they are saying you should vote for more taxes.”

On the loan, Orbih said: “They are not ready to give out any loan. I have a copy of the loan form. It is an APC form. Why did Obaseki not give out the loans before the elections?”

He lauded the traders for finding time to receive the party’s candidate, saying their gesture was an indication that they are ready to support Ize-Iyamu to emerge as the next governor of the state.