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Inspects flood control underground canal, drainage systems
From Tony Osauzo, Benin
Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo, at the weekend, inspected the state-funded reconstruction of the popular Sapele Road in Benin City, the state capital.
The artery connecting the entire South South geopolitical zone is a Federal Government road.
During the tour, Governor Okpebholo examined the 1.5 kilometres of completed surface drains, a one-kilometre underground channel, and a 1.6-kilometre underground canal, designed to mitigate perennial flooding in and around Sapele Road axis.
The project features a reinforced concrete pavement structure of 200 millimetres, with over five kilometres of rigid pavement and 5.5 kilometres of stone base already completed.
Governor Okpebholo also inspected other connecting roads around the axis. He expressed confidence that the ongoing Ogheghe Road project, off Sapele Road in Benin City, will be completed by December 2025, in line with the contractor’s commitment.
The inspection began at Mousco Junction on Sapele Road and covered major intersections including PZ, Agip, Ekae Junction, Winners, RCCG Junction, and Evbukhu before terminating at Ogheghe and Old Ogheghe Roads.
Governor Okpebholo also inspected four kilometres of drainage channels extending beyond the section initially handled by Levante Construction Company, whose contract was earlier terminated.
Demonstrating hands-on supervision, the Governor trekked over two kilometres along the project corridor, stopping at intervals to verify the thickness of the concrete pavement, inspect reinforcement rods, and ensure compliance with contractual standards.
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He was warmly received by motorists, traders, and residents who hailed the project as a major intervention that is restoring the road’s functionality and easing traffic congestion.
Governor Okpebholo expressed satisfaction with the progress made, while reiterating his administration’s resolve to monitor all projects across Benin metropolis and other parts of the State to ensure quality delivery.
“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,” the Governor said.
Special Adviser on Project Implementation and Monitoring, Engr. Mrs. Phoebe U. Williams-Bello, echoed the Governor’s position, stressing that the supervision exercise 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 noted.
Project Engineer, Engr. Ademola, confirmed that surface drains at Ogheghe have been completed, while 1.2 kilometres out of the planned 1.6-kilometre underground canal at Old Sapele Road have been delivered. He disclosed that the second phase of works, including reinforced concrete pavement, would commence shortly.
“We remain optimistic that the December target is achievable. The reinforced concrete design guarantees durability, and once completed, the Ogheghe corridor will stand as a lasting solution to flooding and traffic challenges,” Ademola assured.
