'Okpebholo Flood Control, Road Projects Near Completion'

Governor Monday Okpebholo’s efforts to address long-standing flooding and infrastructure challenges in Edo State are yielding results, with key projects nearing completion across Benin City.

The intervention is most evident at the 8.25-kilometre Amufi–Okpagha–Egan Road, which links the Benin–Agbor and Benin–Auchi highways and has for years been plagued by erosion and flooding that disrupted movement and economic activities.

During a media tour led by the chief press secretary, Dr Patrick Akhere Ebojele, journalists inspected progress on multiple projects under the administration’s SHINE agenda.

At the Okpagha–Amufi axis, project engineer, Engr. John Ibizugbe of Gcom Integrated Limited said the scope of work integrates road construction with flood control systems.

“The road comprises asphalt laid on the main and adjoining roads, drainage works, and flood retention ponds designed to deal with the erosion devastation which has ravaged the area for decades,” Ibizugbe said.

He added that reinforced concrete drains measuring 1.2 by 1 metre and a 250mm-thick pavement are being installed to withstand heavy water flow.

According to him, drainage work is about 80 per cent complete, with the project expected to be delivered by May 2026.

The project also includes five water retention facilities to control runoff, while Boundary Road linking Iyanomo and Amufi has been incorporated to strengthen flood management along the corridor.

Residents say the intervention is already making an impact. A resident, Wilfred Ekhoragbon, said the project is long overdue after years of devastating flooding.

“I am 61 years old, and for over 60 years that I have lived here, the area has been ravaged by erosion and flooding… most homes have been washed off,” Ekhoragbon said.

At Ramat Park, construction of the city’s first flyover has reached over 90 per cent completion. The bridge spans about 949 metres, with adjoining roads measuring 350 metres and 214 metres.

The project also features about 3,500 metres of surface drainage and 2.2 kilometres of underground channels to improve water management and ease traffic congestion in the area.

Similarly, in Evbhukhu, a 14-kilometre road and drainage project is progressing, aimed at addressing years of flooding that rendered roads impassable.

Engineers on site said reinforced drainage systems and concrete pavements are being deployed to restore access, while the inclusion of Evbhukhu Market Road is expected to enhance commercial activities.

Work is also ongoing along the Old Sapele Road corridor, linking communities such as Ogheghe and Ekae, with the project combining road reconstruction and underground drainage systems to prevent recurring damage caused by poor water management.

Across the project sites, the administration has adopted a strategy of integrating road construction with effective drainage systems to tackle the root causes of infrastructure failure.