Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, at the weekend, inspected the ongoing reconstruction of the popular Sapele Road in Benin City, describing the project as a landmark intervention that will ease traffic congestion and provide a lasting solution to perennial flooding along the corridor.
Sapele Road, though a Federal Government road, is being reconstructed with state funds as part of Okpebholo’s commitment to restoring Benin’s major arteries.
During the inspection, the Governor examined 1.5 kilometres of completed surface drains, a one-kilometre underground channel, and a 1.6-kilometre underground canal designed to address flooding in and around the Sapele Road axis. He also reviewed over five kilometres of rigid pavement and 5.5 kilometres of stone base already laid.
Okpebholo trekked more than two kilometres of the road to personally verify the thickness of the concrete pavement, inspect reinforcement rods, and ensure compliance with contractual standards. He also inspected four kilometres of drainage channels beyond the initial section handled by Levante Construction Company, whose contract had earlier been terminated.
Speaking after the tour, the Governor expressed satisfaction with the progress, noting that the contractors had pledged to complete the Ogheghe section by December 2025.
“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,” Okpebholo said.
He was accompanied by the Special Adviser on Project Implementation and Monitoring, Engr. Mrs. Phoebe U. Williams-Bello, who stressed that the inspection was designed to enforce compliance. “So far, 1.5 kilometres of surface drains and one kilometre of underground channels have been completed. The contractors are working to schedule, and the project is on course for December completion,” she said.
The Project Engineer, Engr. Ademola, confirmed that drains at Ogheghe have been completed, while 1.2 kilometres of the planned 1.6-kilometre underground canal at Old Sapele Road have also been delivered. He assured that the reinforced concrete pavement design guarantees durability and will stand as a permanent solution once completed.
Residents, motorists, and traders along the route welcomed the Governor warmly, hailing the project as a long-awaited lifeline for Benin’s busiest traffic corridor.
