Edo residents seek speedy completion of Sapele road

Some residents of Edo State have called for the speedy completion of the Benin-Warri-Sapele road while commending both the federal and state governments for the work done so far.

The road, which deteriorated for over a decade, got the attention it needed after the swearing-in of Governor Monday Okpebholo, who took over the reconstruction of a large portion of the road with the approval of the Federal Government.

Some other parts of the road are also being handled by the Federal Government, which has brought some respite to motorists and commuters who use the road to connect Delta State.

However, due to the hardship experienced on the road in the past, the residents are now calling for the government to speed up the reconstruction to completely alleviate the suffering of road users on this route.

A driver, John Osa, told South-South PUNCHwhen the correspondent visited the bypass section of the road in Ogheghe that the government should put more effort into it so that the transportation of passengers and goods can improve.

He said, “I have been a driver on this road for over 15 years, and I have seen it go bad. I am excited that the road is being reconstructed. But the government must put more effort so that the work can be finished on time.

A motorcycle rider, Aliyu Dahiru, commended the state government for stepping in to save motorists and riders from hardship, saying they spent more money on the repair of their motorcycles and vehicles in the past.

A business owner, who identified herself simply as Joy, noted that if completed, closed shops would re-open and business would boom once again.

“This area used to be good for business, but the gradual decay of the road over the years has forced people to close their shops and relocate to other areas. I only just reopened my shop and the business is picking up gradually.

“I am sure that things will get better as soon as the reconstruction is completed. We thank the government responsible for the reconstruction of the road.”

However, a resident, Francis, who said that the time of travelling on the road has reduced, expressed hope that the inspection of the road by the Minister of Works, David Umahi, recently, would ensure its speedy completion.

“I am happy that the minister was here recently to inspect the road; it means that the federal government is interested in the completion of the road.

During the minister’s inspection, the NDDC announced that it would take over about 15.4 kilometres of the road and promised to work with the Edo and Delta states’ government officials to ensure seamless work for the people.