Residents and motorists travelling along the Benin-Sapele Road in Edo State have welcomed the return of Civil and Building Construction (CBC) Global Nigeria Ltd. to the site.
During an on-the-spot assessment on Thursday, reporters observed that work had resumed on a previously abandoned, damaged section of the road, which had become impassable during the rainy season.
Reporters recall that Edo Governor Monday Okpebholo had promised that contractors handling road projects across the state’s three senatorial districts would return to work as soon as the rains subsided.
Speaking to reporters, residents and road users commended the governor’s commitment and highlighted the project’s importance to the socioeconomic well-being of the community.
Mr Benjamin Danjuma, a foreman on the project’s earthworks team, said the rain had made it difficult to continue construction, particularly the preparatory work. He said the team resumed work as soon as weather conditions improved.
Danjuma said workers were laying the first stone-base layer, which forms part of the road’s foundation before the final concrete pavement is laid.
After completing this layer, he said, the contractor would proceed to stabilise the base using stone and cement before laying the concrete pavement.
Motorist and road user Abdulmalik Usman commended the Edo Government for the rehabilitation, saying it had brought relief to motorists and other road users.
He said the road’s poor condition had made travel difficult for motorists and commercial motorcycle operators. The ongoing construction, he added, had improved access and allowed motorists to move more freely.
Trader Mrs Joy Obosheya said she was pleased that the contractor had returned to the site, noting that the road’s poor condition had affected local businesses.
She said the rehabilitation had made it easier for residents and customers to reach the area and patronise businesses.
Driver John Kingsley said motorists and pedestrians had previously struggled to use the section undergoing rehabilitation. He commended Okpebholo for ensuring the contractor returned to work.
