By Odita Sunday
Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has assured residents of the early completion of the ongoing reconstruction of Sapele Road in Benin City, pledging that the project will be delivered by December 2025.
The governor gave the assurance over the weekend while inspecting the state-funded works on the popular road, which serves as a major artery linking the South-South geopolitical zone.
During the tour, Governor Okpebholo examined 1.5 kilometers of completed surface drains, a one-kilometer underground channel, and a 1.6-kilometer underground canal, all designed to tackle perennial flooding along the Sapele Road axis.
He also inspected adjoining roads, including the Ogheghe Road project, which contractors have committed to finishing by year’s end.
The reconstruction, featuring a reinforced concrete pavement of 200 millimeters, has already seen the completion of more than five kilometers of rigid pavement and 5.5 kilometers of stone base.
The governor’s inspection began at Mousco Junction and covered major intersections such as PZ, Agip, Ekae Junction, Winners, RCCG Junction, and Evbukhu, before ending at Ogheghe and Old Ogheghe Roads.
Demonstrating hands-on supervision, Governor Okpebholo trekked over two kilometers of the project corridor, personally checking concrete thickness, reinforcement rods, and adherence to contractual standards. He was cheered by motorists, traders, and residents who welcomed the project as a major relief to traffic congestion.
“With what I have seen today, we are on track. The contractors have promised to deliver by December, and we will support them with timely payments to ensure they meet the deadline,” he said.
Special Adviser on Project Implementation and Monitoring, Engr. Phoebe Williams-Bello, confirmed that the project was on schedule, while Project Engineer, Engr. Ademola, disclosed that surface drains at Ogheghe and 1.2 kilometers of the planned underground canal had been completed.
He added that the second phase of reinforced concrete pavement would commence soon, stressing that the design guarantees durability and a lasting solution to flooding and traffic issues in the area.