The Niger Delta Development Commission has begun reconstruction of a failed section of the Benin-Sapele Expressway following a federal directive to provide urgent relief to motorists and communities along the corridor.
NDDC Governing Board Chairman Chiedu Ebie flagged off the project at Amukpe Roundabout in Sapele, Delta State.
He said two contractors would work from opposite ends of the project to accelerate delivery.
The commission described the Benin-Sapele corridor as an important national economic route connecting communities and markets across the South-South and beyond.
NDDC Managing Director Samuel Ogbuku apologized to residents and road users for the hardship caused by the prolonged deterioration of the highway.
He said the intervention followed complaints and public attention drawn to the condition of the road.
According to the commission, it obtained the project design from the Federal Ministry of Works before commencing the reconstruction.
NDDC Executive Director of Projects Victor Antai said the intervention covered 15.4 kilometers and would be executed with rigid concrete pavement.
China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation and Ronin and Fan Limited were selected to handle the work.
The NDDC also said it had begun steps to terminate and re-award the contract for the Abraka-Obiaruku-Abavo-Agbor Road after problems with the previous contractor.
Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori welcomed the Benin-Sapele project and described it as an important contribution to connectivity and economic activity.
Represented by Works and Public Information Commissioner Charles Aniagwu, the governor said cooperation between state and federal institutions was essential in addressing infrastructure failures.
