By Ighomuaye Lucky. O
The contractor handling the flyover bridge project at the Ramat Park axis of Benin City, has expressed confidence that the 18 months given for the completion of the project is guaranteed considering the pace of ongoing work.
The Site Manager/ Engineer, Nosa Ikhinmwingboe, who spoke for the contractor (ECC China Civil Engineering Company) handling the project, gave the assurance while speaking with Journalists during an inspection exercise, supervised by the Ministry of Work, Edo State.
He said that they have done 20 percent of the jobs and that with the men and equipment on ground, the government has nothing to worry about the completion date.
“Yes, we can meet up with the 18 months time bound. We have enough materials, enough form work on ground. I also have enough of labourers on ground.
“We have done up to about 20 percent of the work presently. You know, bridge has to do with the sub-structure and the super-structure. The major work we have done is the sub-structure, which is the foundation work.
“So, by the time we are bringing out the super-structure, it will now be visible for everybody to to see”, Ikhinmwingboe said.
Ikhinmwingboe said that the construction company handling the project is prepared to work in and out of seasons to deliver on its core mandate.
“We don’t have challenge and everything is going on smoothly. The work is going on well.
“We will deliver according to the one year and six months. Even during the rain, we will still be working because most of the work we will be doing during the rainy season will be fully installation.
“So I believe before the rainy season, all the foundation work we should be done with all of them by then”, Ikhinmwingboe added.
Recall that a week into the inauguration of the Edo State governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, he flagged off the construction of the flyover with a mandate given to them to complete it within 18 months.
According to him, the completion of the Ramat Park flyover in Benin will transform the economic and social fortunes of the capital city and Edo State as a whole.
He described Ramat Park as the gateway to Benin City and other parts of the country and that the construction of the bridge would provide ease of life for motorists in Benin City and commuters along the two corridors of the Benin-Auchi Expressway and Benin-Asaba Expressway.
He said: “I warmly welcome you to the ground-breaking ceremony of the construction of the Ramat Park Flyover here in Benin City.
“We have gathered to witness the beginning of a very important project that will transform the economic and social fortunes of our capital city and indeed Edo State. Ramat Park is a gateway to Benin City and other parts of the country.
“Therefore, the Ramat Park Flyover will provide a new lease of life for motorists in Benin City and communities along these two corridors; the Benin-Auchi Expressway and the Benin-Asaba Expressway.
“During our campaigns a few months ago, I specifically promised to construct fly-overs to ease transportation and reduce the traffic gridlock in our city. Today, one week into my administration, we are here to fulfil that promise and deliver the dividends of democracy”, Okpebholo said.
