Okpebholo Assures Restoration of High Court, INEC Operations as Ramat Park Flyover Nears Completion

By Kingsley Ohens

The Governor of Edo State, Monday Okpebholo, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to restoring full institutional and commercial activities disrupted by flooding in Benin City, as construction of the Ramat Park flyover approaches completion.

Speaking during an on-site inspection of the project, the governor expressed confidence that the long-standing environmental challenges affecting the Edo State High Court and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) office in the area would soon be resolved.

The Ramat Park axis, a critical hub within the city, has for years suffered from recurrent flooding, leading to disruptions in judicial proceedings, electoral operations, and business activities. Okpebholo noted that the strategic integration of modern drainage infrastructure into the flyover project is designed to provide a lasting solution.

“Flooding in this area has threatened businesses and key government institutions, including the High Court and INEC. With the progress made, we are confident that normal operations will be fully restored upon completion,” the governor stated.

Project updates provided during the inspection indicate that the flyover bridge has reached approximately 90 percent completion, while associated drainage systems are about 70 percent complete. The administration has set a target to deliver the project ahead of the peak rainy season, a move aimed at mitigating further disruptions.

The governor emphasized that beyond flood control, the flyover is a critical component of a broader urban renewal strategy intended to decongest traffic, enhance mobility, and protect economic activities in one of Benin City’s busiest corridors.

Also providing technical insights, the project’s site engineer, Femi Fatola, confirmed that construction is progressing according to schedule. He assured that the combination of structural and hydrological interventions would significantly reduce, if not eliminate, the persistent flooding that has plagued the area.

“The level of work done so far shows we are on track to meet the stipulated timeline. Once completed, flooding in this environment will largely become a thing of the past,” Fatola said.

In a broader assessment of ongoing infrastructure efforts, Governor Okpebholo extended his inspection to other key project sites, including the flyover at Sapele Road and road rehabilitation works along Charismatic Road and Upper Ekenwan Road.

These projects, he noted, underscore his administration’s resolve to modernize urban infrastructure, improve road connectivity, and strengthen the resilience of public institutions across the state.

With completion in sight, the Ramat Park flyover is poised to become a critical intervention in addressing one of Benin City’s most persistent infrastructural challenges, while restoring operational stability to key government institutions and boosting economic confidence in the area.