FIC Report (Edo State) – Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has assured residents that the reconstruction of Sapele Road in Benin City will be completed ahead of schedule. During an inspection tour on 27th September, 2015, the Governor assessed progress on the State-Funded Project, which aims to improve Traffic flow and address Flooding issues along the major arterial road connecting the South South region.
The Governor examined key Flood Control features, including 1.5 kilometers of surface drains, a one-kilometer underground channel, and a 1.6-kilometer underground canal designed to reduce persistent flooding in the area. The Project also includes a reinforced concrete pavement of 200 millimeters thickness, with over five kilometers of rigid pavement and 5.5 kilometers of stone base material already laid.
In Addition to the Flood Control Structures, Governor Okpebholo checked on other connecting roads around the corridor. He expressed confidence that the nearby Ogheghe Road project, also under construction, will be completed by December 2025, aligning with the contractor’s schedule.
The Inspection route covered major intersections from Mousco Junction through PZ, Agip, Ekae Junction, Winners, RCCG Junction, and Evbukhu, culminating at Ogheghe and Old Ogheghe Roads. The Governor also reviewed four kilometers of drainage channels beyond the initial scope, following the termination of Levante Construction Company’s contract.
Demonstrating Hands-On Leadership, Gov. Okpebholo traversed over two kilometers of the Project Corridor on foot, inspecting the concrete pavement, reinforcement rods, and ensuring adherence to contractual standards. Residents, traders, and motorists welcomed the project as a vital intervention that is restoring road functionality and easing traffic congestion.
Expressing satisfaction with current progress, the Governor reaffirmed his Administration’s commitment to monitoring all ongoing projects to ensure quality and timely delivery. “From what I have seen today, we are on schedule. The contractors have assured us of completion by December, and we will support them with timely payments to meet this deadline,” he stated. Okpebholo
Special Adviser on Project Implementation and Monitoring, Engr. Mrs. Phoebe U. Williams-Bello, emphasized that supervision efforts are focused on enforcing compliance. Project Engineer Engr. Ademola confirmed that the surface drains at Ogheghe are finished, and 1.2 kilometers of the underground canal at Old Sapele Road has been delivered, with the second phase of reinforced concrete pavement set to commence soon. He expressed confidence that the December target remains achievable, highlighting that the reinforced concrete design will ensure durability and long-term effectiveness in flood mitigation and traffic management.
Signed
Egwaoje Amarachi Linda
ACI&PRO
FIC, Benin
30th September, 2025
