By Usman Aliyu
Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo has apologised to residents and motorists for the inconvenience caused by the ongoing construction of the flyover at Ramat Park in Ikpoba-Okha Local Government Area of the state.
Okpebholo made the apology during an unscheduled inspection of the project on Thursday, noting that the flyover was about 90 per cent completed.
The governor expressed satisfaction with the quality and pace of work on the project, commending the progress made so far on the Ramat Park flyover.
“The work is progressing well, and we are satisfied with the quality and speed so far. About 10 per cent of the project is left.
“In the next one or two months, it should be fully completed,” he said.
“We are doing our best for the people of Edo. The contractor is meeting our expectations in terms of quality and delivery.
“We will continue to ensure that every project executed meets the required standards.”
He acknowledged the temporary traffic challenges caused by the construction but commended residents for their patience and support.
“in spite of the gridlock caused by the construction, the people of Edo have remained supportive. They are happy because they can see the impact of what we are doing.
“This is a project many have not seen before in the state,” he added.
Okpebholo also expressed gratitude to President Bola Tinubu for supporting the state’s development efforts.
“We thank President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his support. The resources we are deploying for this and other projects are made possible through that support. Edo is achieving a lot,” he said.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that there was jubilation at Ikpoba Hill in Ikpoba-Okha Local Government Area as residents trooped out in large numbers to welcome the governor.
The atmosphere was carnival-like as market women, traders, motorists, residents and business owners cheered and sang in appreciation of what many described as a landmark infrastructure project aimed at easing traffic congestion along the busy axis.
Some residents who spoke during the visit praised the governor for embarking on what they described as people-focused projects.
A trader, Josephine Isaac, said the flyover would bring major relief to business owners and commuters in the area.
“We have not seen anything like this before. This administration has shown that the people are the priority. We appreciate the governor’s good work,” she said.
Similarly, a commercial bus driver along the Ikpoba Hill route, Mr Frank Ojekata, said the project would permanently address the long standing traffic congestion in the area.
“With this flyover, the traffic problem we have suffered for years will be reduced. This is a legacy project,” he said.
The Ramat Park flyover, when completed, is expected to significantly improve traffic flow and boost economic activities around Ikpoba Hill and adjoining communities in Benin City.
(NAN)
