Benin-Sapele Road works resume as rains subside

File photo: Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo.

Contractors have returned to the Benin-Sapele Road to resume rehabilitation work after heavy rainfall forced a temporary halt, bringing relief to motorists, traders and residents.

On Thursday, workers and machines were back on stretches left idle during the downpour.

Governor Monday Okpebholo had earlier said contractors handling road projects in the three senatorial districts would return to site as soon as the rains subsided.

Road users at the site said on Thursday that they were glad to see the promise kept.

Benjamin Danjuma, Foreman of the Earth Moving Section, said the rain made work difficult, especially at the preparatory stage.

“The rain made it hard for us to continue, especially at the preparatory stage. As soon as the weather improved, we came back,” he said.

Danjuma said workers were on the first level of the stone-base stage, which forms part of the road’s foundation.

“After this first level, we will move to the stabilisation stage, where we use stone base and cement. Then the final concrete layer will be laid,” he said.

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A resident and frequent road user, Abdulmalik Usman, commended the state government for the rehabilitation.

“People suffered on this road when it was in a bad state. Now motorists can move more freely than before,” he said.

A trader, Joy Obosheya, said the poor state of the road had hurt business.

“I am happy the contractor is back. The condition of the road affected our business, but now it is easier for customers to reach our shops,” she said.

A driver, who gave his name as Kingsley, said motorists and pedestrians had struggled for a long time to use the section now receiving attention.

“Okpebholo has done well by making sure the contractor returned to site,” he said.