From Moshood Karim
The Edo State government has made considerable progress on key road projects across various communities, fulfilling the promise made by Governor Monday Okpebholo to enhance road connectivity and bolster the socioeconomic development of the State.
On Tuesday, during an inspection of on-going projects, the State Ministry of Works unveiled the completion of the Ogbewaise link roads at Ogbe community in Benin City, which had long been in dire need of improvement. This development marks a key milestone in connecting more communities with motorable roads, a move the State government is hoping will enhance local mobility and trade.
The long-awaited road and drainage construction at Catholic Charismatic Renewal Road in Ugbiyoko is among the other major projects currently in progress. The casting of the drain is currently underway in that area, with a retention pond planned to discharge water from heavy rainfall. The 1.4 km stretch of road had been abandoned for several years but is now being brought back to life. This project is particularly important, as it is expected to improve access to the area and mitigate flooding issues that have plagued local residents.
Equally important, works on the Temboga Road, which connects Lucky Way and spans approximately 4.5 km, are also advancing. This road, which had been cut off due to severe erosion, is being reconstructed as part of a larger effort to address the erosion problem that has disrupted daily life for many in the affected areas.
Among the most notable developments is the 4.7 km Utteh Palace Road project in Benin, where workers have made considerable progress on drainage work ahead of major road construction. Project Manager Engr. Tomiwa Atoyebi, representing Mutual Commitment Company, stated that significant strides have been made in drainage construction, with 1.6 km of drainage work already completed. According to Atoyebi, the project, which commenced in February 2025, is expected to be finished within 12 months.
“The drainage works and head works are our main focus at this stage. We have completed 1.6 km of drainage on both sides of the road, and we’re moving forward with the formwork for base construction,” Atoyebi explained. “We are committed to meeting the project deadline by February 2026.”
Meanwhile, one of the most ambitious and eagerly anticipated projects is the construction of Edo State’s first flyover bridge at Ramat Park in Benin City. Flagged off in November 2024, this project is being carried out by the China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC). According to Engr. Nosakhare Ikhinmwingboe, the company’s Safety Manager and Site Engineer, the project is progressing well, with 20% of the work completed so far.
“The bridge, which will span 480 metres, is designed as a dual carriageway, running from Ring Road to Agbor Road. The foundation work is nearly complete, and the next phase will involve the construction of the superstructure,” Ikhinmwingboe said during the inspection. He assured the public that the company would meet the 18-month completion deadline, even working through the rainy season to ensure no delays.
“This project will be an important asset for the people of Edo State. It will improve traffic flow, reduce congestion, and ensure that taxpayers’ money is invested wisely,” he added.
As the State continues to prioritise infrastructure improvement, it is clear that the government is committed to creating lasting change that will benefit generations to come.
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