BENIN CITY: Relief is in sight for the Appeal Court and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) offices in Benin City, as Governor Monday Okpebholo has assured that ongoing works at the Ramat Park flyover will soon restore full operations at the flood-hit institutions.
The governor gave the assurance while inspecting the project site, noting that years of persistent flooding in the Ramat Park axis had forced both institutions to scale down activities, disrupting judicial processes and electoral administration.
Okpebholo said the near-completion of the flyover, alongside extensive drainage infrastructure, would permanently resolve the environmental challenges that have hindered the effective functioning of the Appeal Court and INEC office.
According to him, the project is specifically designed not only to ease traffic congestion but to eliminate the perennial flooding that has crippled critical government institutions and surrounding businesses.
“Flooding in this area has threatened key institutions, including the Appeal Court and INEC, forcing them to reduce operations,” the governor said.
“With the level of work done, we are confident that normal activities will fully resume once the project is completed.”
He disclosed that construction of the flyover bridge has reached about 90 percent completion, while drainage works are approximately 70 percent completed, expressing optimism that the entire project would be delivered before the peak of the rainy season.
The governor stressed that the restoration of full operations at the Appeal Court and INEC remains a priority, given their central role in governance, justice delivery, and democratic processes.
He added that beyond institutional recovery, the intervention would also revitalise economic activities in the area, as businesses previously affected by flooding would regain stability.
Okpebholo reiterated his administration’s broader commitment to infrastructure renewal, noting that addressing flood-prone areas is essential to sustaining public services and urban functionality in Benin City.
Also speaking, the site engineer, Femi Fatola, confirmed that work is progressing according to schedule, with the bridge construction already above 90 perent completion.
He said significant progress had also been made on flood control measures, particularly the drainage system, which is now about 70 percent completed and nearing its final stage.
“The progress recorded shows clearly that we are on track,” Fatola said.
“Once the drainage system is fully completed, the flooding challenges that affected institutions like the Appeal Court and INEC will be effectively resolved.”
He assured that the engineering design of the project would ensure proper channeling of stormwater, preventing future disruptions to institutional and commercial activities in the area.
During the inspection tour, the governor also assessed other ongoing projects, including the Sapele Road flyover and road construction works at Charismatic Road and Upper Ekenwan Road.
He reaffirmed his administration’s resolve to strengthen infrastructure across the state, stressing that restoring the functionality of key institutions remains central to governance and service delivery.
