The contractor working on the dualisation of Ekehuan Road in Benin City, which serves as the main access to the Benin River Port project, has resumed work on the site, after initial delays due to the rains.

Governor Godwin Obaseki awarded the contract for the dualisation of the road as one of the first steps to opening up the axis for high vehicular traffic that would be experienced on the road when the construction of the port begins in earnest.

A cross-section of residents in the area, who spoke to our correspondents, confirmed that the project contractor has returned to site, while the workers have begun covering drains that were recently constructed.

Mr. Anderson Uwadia, a resident in the area, said: “I can confirm that the contractor has returned to site. They are working hard to cover the drains, which were recently completed. The drains are huge and would help in tackling the flooding issues in this community. We appreciate Governor Godwin Obaseki for ensuring that the contractors deliver quality work.

“A lot of people in this area are particularly happy about the project because of the prospects of the Benin River Port, which would soon come upstream.”

Another resident, Mrs. Tracy Idemudia, said the state government deserves commendation for the dualisation project, which shows the governor’s zeal to deliver on his promises to Edo people.

According to her, “We are really impressed. The project was well thought-out and shows that the governor is ready and willing to address the issues bedeviling people.”

A worker on the site, who pleaded anonymity, said they have been instructed to return to site to ensure that the critical assets on the project are secure, which is why the drains are being covered in the wake of torrential rains in the past few days.