By Abdullahi Lukman
Flood control and road infrastructure projects across Edo State are progressing rapidly as Governor Monday Okpebholo intensifies efforts to resolve long-standing erosion and drainage challenges in Benin City.
The most advanced work is on the 8.25-kilometre Amufi–Okpagha–Egan Road, a strategic route linking the Benin–Agbor and Benin–Auchi highways, which has suffered years of flooding and severe erosion that disrupted transportation and local economic activity.
During a media inspection tour led by the Chief Press Secretary, Patrick Akhere Ebojele, engineers confirmed that the project integrates road construction with major drainage and flood control systems under the state’s SHINE agenda.
Project engineer Engr. John Ibizugbe of Gcom Integrated Limited said the design includes asphalt paving, reinforced concrete drains, and flood retention ponds aimed at managing decades of erosion damage.
He added that drainage works are about 80 per cent completed, with delivery expected by May 2026.
The project also features five retention ponds and a linked road between Iyanomo and Amufi to improve runoff control and enhance regional connectivity.
Residents say the intervention is already changing conditions in the area.
One community member, Wilfred Ekhoragbon, said the flooding problem had persisted for decades, damaging homes and livelihoods.
Elsewhere in Benin City, construction of the Ramat Park flyover has reached over 90 per cent completion.
The bridge, which spans about 949 metres, includes adjoining road networks and extensive drainage systems designed to ease traffic congestion and improve stormwater management.
In Evbhukhu, a 14-kilometre road and drainage project is also underway to restore access to flood-prone communities, while engineers say reinforced concrete pavements and drainage channels are being deployed to support long-term durability and economic activity, especially around local markets.
Work is similarly ongoing along the Old Sapele Road corridor, connecting Ogheghe and Ekae, where road rehabilitation is being combined with underground drainage systems to prevent recurring flood damage.
Across all project sites, the state government has adopted an integrated approach that combines road construction with drainage infrastructure to address the root causes of flooding and infrastructure collapse.
Residents and business owners say improved road access and reduced flooding are already supporting a gradual return of economic activity, while attention now shifts to timely completion and long-term sustainability of the projects.
