Years of anguish for motorists and businesses along the Effurun–Sapele–Benin highway may soon be over as the Delta State Government has awarded a ₦35 billion contract for the reconstruction of one of its most dilapidated sections.
The contract, awarded to China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC), covers a 10-kilometre stretch from the Spare Parts Market U-Turn in Effurun to just after Ohore Junction before Omenta Bridge in Uvwie and Okpe Local Government Areas.
The project, which is expected to be completed within 12 months, is nothing short of a lifeline for road users as it serves a key economic corridor into Delta State.
For years, it been a nightmare, plagued by deep craters, constant gridlock and frequent accidents.
Reacting to the award of the project, a commercial driver, Oghenevwede Igho said: “Every week I spend money fixing my bus because of this road. Sometimes passengers are stranded for hours. This intervention is the answer to our prayers.”
Traders, too, are hopeful of a turnaround in thier sales.
“Many customers stopped coming because of the traffic. If this road is fixed, businesses will bounce back,” said Mrs. Elohor Agbaje, a provisions seller close to the Spare parts market.
Under the contract, CCECC will reconstruct both carriageways, five kilometres each- with an expanded width of 11.6 metres, reinforced shoulders, stormwater drains, and durable concrete pavement designed to withstand heavy use.
Although the Warri–Sapele–Benin Road falls under the Federal Government’s jurisdiction, its collapsed sections had pushed the state to step in in furtherance of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s MORE Agenda, which has made infrastructure renewal a top priority.
Commissioner for Works, Charles Aniagwu, said the project reflects the governor’s determination to ease the suffering of residents and preserve Delta’s role as a commercial hub in the Southsouthregionc.
“This road is too strategic to be left in disrepair. We are ensuring quality and durability,” he assured.
Observers posit that the intervention will not only restore confidence for commuters, but also boost trade, cut travel time, and ease movement of goods and services between Delta and neighbouring states.
For now, residents can only watch and hope, as one mechanic, Isaac at Effurun Spare Parts Market stated: “We just want the job done well and on time. If that happens, life will return to this axis.”
