Edo gov begins construction of first flyover in Benin

As part of immediate measures to ease traffic congestion in the city, Senator Monday Okpebholo, the governor of Edo State, has started building a flyover in Ramat Park, Benin.

Fred Itua, the governor's chief press secretary, made this announcement in a press release on Tuesday.

According to him, Okpehbolo promised the populace that his government will also build two other flyover bridges in Benin City, at the intersection of Sapele Road and Adesuwa Road and Dawson Road.

He asserted that the completion of the Ramat Park overpass in Benin would revolutionise Edo State's and the capital city's social and economic fortunes.

According to Okpebholo, Ramat Park serves as a gateway to Benin City and other regions of the nation, with the building 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.

When Europeans first arrived in Africa in the 14th century, Benin City was the continent's first capital. Therefore, we need to give the city a proper makeover in order to promote the growth of tourism.

This is my chance to thank the Speaker and the other distinguished members of the House of Assembly for their collaboration. We anticipate that CCECC Nigeria Limited, the contractor, will put in endless hours to fulfil the 18-month completion deadline.

"Let me reassure the people of Edo that my administration will follow all applicable laws when carrying out this project.

"Please be patient with us over the next 18 months, drivers, as you also make some sacrifices by being patient with the contractors."

Amen Ogbemudia, a local resident and the daughter of a former Edo State governor, hailed the governor for his inspiring leadership, which she claimed is quickly giving the Edo people hope.

According to her, Okpebholo would do well since his actions have demonstrated his good intentions for the Edo people.

A youth of Oregbeni village, the host village, Emmanuel Aigbogun, praised the governor for his courageous steps, saying that he had written his name in gold through the construction of the bridge.

"You are here to carry out the groundbreaking and flag-off of the Ramat Park flypast today in order to satisfy the commitment you made. He declared, "We stand with you and will support your administration going forward."