Lucky Obukohwo, Reporting
The Project Manager of China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC), Mr. Lee Eric, has announced that the Ramat Park Flyover project has reached 95 percent completion, with only final finishing works remaining before it is opened for full public use.
Eric disclosed this while addressing journalists during an inspection tour of ongoing infrastructure projects along Obaseki Street.
The inspection was led by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Works, Engr. John Obanor, who assessed the progress of the various projects and expressed satisfaction with the pace of work.
According to Lee, the remaining works include road markings, installation of streetlights, and painting, while the major structural components of the flyover have already been completed.
Speaking on the Obaseki Street road construction, Lee said the project is a 1.6-kilometre stretch running from the Ramat Park Flyover service lane to the Ikpoba River.
Lee explained that all drainage infrastructure for the project has been completed, including large box culverts and side drains designed to channel stormwater and prevent further erosion.
He said, “The drainage system comprises sections measuring 2.5 metres by 2.5 metres near the flyover axis and 2 metres by 2 metres along Obaseki Street.
“With the drainage works completed, we are now focusing on stone base installation and asphalt paving.
“These activities are expected to gain momentum after the peak of the rainy season when weather conditions become more favourable for road construction”,.
Project managers expressed confidence that both the Ramat Park Flyover and the adjoining Obaseki Street road project will be delivered on schedule, noting that the remaining works are largely machine-driven and can be completed within a relatively short timeframe.
Speaking during the inspection, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Works, Engr. John Obanor, expressed satisfaction with the pace and quality of work on both the Ramat Park Flyover and the Obaseki Street road construction projects.
He noted that the projects are progressing in line with the timelines agreed upon by the state government and the contractor, reflecting the administration’s commitment to delivering critical infrastructure on schedule.
Engr. Obanor also commended the effectiveness of the drainage system being constructed along the corridor, noting that it has successfully addressed a major gully erosion challenge that had long posed a threat to the surrounding environment and infrastructure.
While responding to a question whether any contractors has found wanting in meeting up to governor’s specifications on road projects delivery, he said non has fallen short of standard noting that all are meeting expectations and responding to the government’s push for speed.
The roads and infrastructure projects inspected include the Ramat Park Flyover; flood control, gully reclamation, and the construction of surface and underground drainage channels along Obaseki Street to the Ikpoba River; Palace Road; the Adesuwa-Sapele Road Flyover; and the reconstruction of failed sections of the Benin–Sapele-Warri Road.
Others include the reconstruction of the Benin-Sapele-Warri Road (Section I, Phase II) in Edo State, covering 10.08 kilometres with continuous reinforced concrete pavement; Uhie Road, off Benin-Sapele Road; the construction of internal roads in Ogheghe and along Old Sapele Road; Evbhukhu-Sapele Road; and Mechanic Road.
