Benin-Sapele Road Rehabilitation Resumes as Rains Subside

Rehabilitation work has resumed on the Benin-Sapele Road in Edo State following a temporary suspension caused by heavy rainfall, with construction workers and equipment returning to affected sections of the route.

The resumption on Thursday followed an earlier assurance by Governor Monday Okpebholo that contractors handling road projects across the state's three senatorial districts would return to their sites once the rains subsided.

Workers and construction machinery were seen at sections of the road that had remained inactive during the downpour, raising hopes among residents and other road users who had experienced difficulties navigating the route.

Benjamin Danjuma, foreman of the earth-moving section of the project, explained that persistent rainfall had made construction difficult, particularly during the preparatory stage.

He said the team returned to work as soon as weather conditions improved.

Danjuma disclosed that construction had reached the first layer of the stone-base stage, which forms part of the road's foundation.

He explained that after completing the initial layer, the team would proceed to the stabilisation stage, involving the use of stone base and cement, before laying the final concrete pavement.

A resident and frequent road user, Abdulmalik Usman, commended the state government for the ongoing rehabilitation, saying the previous condition of the road had made movement difficult for motorists and commercial transport operators.

He noted that traffic had become easier to navigate since work resumed, expressing hope that the project would provide lasting relief to road users.

A trader, Joy Obosheya, also welcomed the contractor's return, explaining that the poor state of the road had negatively affected business activities by making it difficult for customers to access shops in the area.

She said the ongoing work had improved accessibility and expressed optimism that continued progress would help restore commercial activities.

Similarly, a driver, Kingsley, recalled the difficulties motorists and pedestrians faced while using the affected section, commending the governor for ensuring that construction activities resumed.

The return of contractors is expected to improve movement along the Benin-Sapele corridor, which serves residents, businesses and other road users travelling within Edo State and beyond.