Sapele Road Project: Gov Okpebholo assures early delivery
The governor of Edo state, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has assured the people of Edo state that the Sapele Road project under construction would be completed on schedule, saying the Contractor’s promise of December delivery still stands.
Inspecting the State-funded reconstruction of the Federal government owned popular Sapele Road in Benin City at the weekend, Governor Okpebholo who examined the 1.5 kilometers of completed surface drains, a one-kilometer underground channel, and a 1.6-kilometer underground canal, designed to mitigate perennial flooding in and around Sapele Road axis expressed satisfaction with the pace of work.
A statement by Fred Itua, the chief press secretary to the governor on Sunday said the project features a reinforced concrete pavement structure of 200 millimeters, with over five kilometers of rigid pavement and 5.5 kilometers of stone base already completed.
He said the 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.
According to Fred Itua, 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 kilometers 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 kilometers along the project corridor, stopping at intervals to verify the thickness of the concrete pavement, inspect reinforcement rods, and ensure compliance with contractual standards.
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 affirmed.
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 kilometers of surface drains and one kilometer 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 kilometers out of the planned 1.6-kilometer 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.
