Contractors have resumed work on the Benin-Sapele Road, days after heavy rainfall forced them off the site, to the relief of motorists, traders and residents.
Correspondents who visited the bypass section in Benin on Thursday saw workers and machines back on stretches left idle during the downpour.
Gov. Monday Okpebholo had earlier said contractors handling road projects in the three senatorial districts would return to site as soon as the rains subsided. Road users at the site said they were glad to see the promise kept.
Mr Benjamin Danjuma, Foreman of the Earth Moving Section, said the rain made work difficult, especially at the preparatory stage.
“The rain made it hard for us to continue, especially at the preparatory stage. As soon as the weather improved, we came back,” he said.
He said workers were on the first level of the stone-base stage, which forms part of the road’s foundation.
“After this first level, we will move to the stabilisation stage, where we use stone base and cement. Then the final concrete layer will be laid,” he said.
Mr Abdulmalik Usman, a resident and road user, commended the state government for the rehabilitation.
“People suffered on this road when it was in a bad state. Now motorists can move more freely than before,” he said.
A trader, Mrs Joy Obosheya, said the poor state of the road had hurt business.
“I am happy the contractor is back. The condition of the road affected our business, but now it is easier for customers to reach our shops,” she said.
A driver, Mr John Kingsley, said motorists and pedestrians had struggled for a long time to use the section now receiving attention.
“Okpebholo has done well by making sure the contractor returned to site,” he said.
