Paul Okojie

The Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, who was sworn in over a week ago has flagged off the construction of a flyover at Ramat Park, Benin, as part of immediate efforts to reduce traffic congestion in the city.

The Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, who was sworn in over a week ago has flagged off the construction of a flyover at Ramat Park, Benin, as part of immediate efforts to reduce traffic congestion in the city.

This was contained in a press statement by the governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Fred Itua, on Tuesday.

He said Okpehbolo has assured the people that his administration would also construct two more flyover bridges at Dawson Road Junction and Sapele Road/Adesuwa Road Junction, all in Benin City.

According to him, the completion of the Ramat Park flyover in Benin would transform the economy and social fortunes of the capital city and Edo State.

Okpebholo said Ramat Park is a gateway to Benin City and other parts of the country and that the construction of the bridge would provide ease of life for motorists in Benin City and commuters along the two corridors of the Benin-Auchi Express Way and Benin-Asaba Express Way.

He said, “I warmly welcome you to the groundbreaking and flag-off ceremony of the construction of the Ramat Park Flyover here in Benin City.

“We have gathered to witness the beginning of a very important project that will transform the economy and social fortunes of our capital city and indeed Edo State. Ramat Park is a gateway to Benin City and other parts of the country.

“Therefore, Ramat Park Fly-Over will provide a new lease of life for motorists in Benin City and communities along these two corridors: the Benin-Auchi Motorway and the Benin-Asaba Expressway.

He noted that during our campaigns a few months ago, he promised to construct flyovers to ease transportation and reduce the traffic gridlock in the city.

He added, “This is the first flyover we are constructing, and we are going to construct more. There will be one by Dawson Road junction and another one by Sapele Road/Adesuwa Road junction.

“Benin City was the first capital city of Africa when Europeans first came to the continent in the 14th century. So, we must give the city a befitting facelift to also encourage the development of tourism.

“Let me use this opportunity to appreciate the Speaker and other honourable members of the House of Assembly for their cooperation. To the contractor, CCECC Nigeria Limited, we look forward to seeing you work day and night to meet the 18-month completion period.

“Let me assure Edo people that in the execution of this project, my administration will abide by all relevant laws.

“To our motorists here, please bear with us, as you also make some sacrifices by being patient with the contractors throughout the next 18 months.”