Davidson Ogbebor

BENIN CITY — Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has expressed satisfaction with the quality and pace of work on the ongoing reconstruction of the Benin-Sapele Road, stating that the concrete pavement being laid is designed to last up to 80 years before requiring major maintenance.

The governor made the remarks on Thursday during an inspection tour of the project in Benin City, describing the road as a long-term investment in the state’s infrastructure.

Governor Okpebholo commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for providing the funding that made the project possible, saying the administration’s commitment to infrastructure development was evident in the quality of work being executed across the country.

“It is a quality job they are doing here. Everything is going on well,” the governor said.

“I have nothing else to say but to thank President Bola Tinubu for providing the funds. What you are seeing today is the result of somebody who has worked hard to make these resources available. That is why you are seeing this level of development in Edo today.”

According to him, the President has remained committed to ensuring that critical infrastructure projects are completed on schedule through the timely release of funds.

“Throughout this Sapele Road, you can see concrete pavement all the way. These are not empty promises; this is serious and expensive work,” he said.

“It is a quality job that will last for at least 80 years before we even need to think about major maintenance.”

Residents who spoke during the governor’s inspection commended the ongoing reconstruction, saying the project had significantly eased traffic congestion and improved vehicular movement along the busy highway.

Mrs. Pat Ogie, a pensioner, recalled that motorists and commuters previously spent long hours in gridlock on the road but noted that traffic had improved considerably since construction commenced.

“Before the coming of Governor Okpebholo, we used to experience heavy traffic on this road, but that has become a thing of the past. God will continue to bless our governor,” she said.

Also speaking, Mrs. Justina Osaghae, a trader, praised the quality of the reconstruction, describing it as a major boost to road transportation and economic activities in the state.

The Benin-Sapele Road is one of the major arterial routes in Edo State and forms part of ongoing efforts by the Federal Government, in collaboration with the Edo State Government, to improve transportation infrastructure and enhance connectivity within the state.