Benin, Edo – Residents of over nine communities bordering the historic Old Benin-Sapele Road erupted in celebration on Thursday, showering praises on Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, for kickstarting the long-awaited reconstruction of the abandoned route.

The project, hailed as a "perfect bypass" to the chronically congested main Benin-Sapele highway, promises to alleviate severe traffic gridlock plaguing the area and boost economic activity for thousands.

Our correspondent, who visited the bustling sites along the corridor, witnessed scenes of unbridled joy: jubilant locals danced to rhythmic beats, chanting appreciation for the governor as bulldozers roared into action.

Heavy machinery was seen methodically clearing encroachments, including makeshift structures and electric poles infringing on the road's right-of-way, paving the way for smooth construction.

Daily South Nigeria understands that the ambitious initiative, contracted to Brass Engineering and Construction Company Limited, stretches across key neighborhoods including Ogheghe, Evbuokhun Road, Okhoghobi, Obe, Ekae, and Aguo-Ediae.

It is slated to culminate at Idubor Estate, directly opposite the Living Faith Church (Winners' Chapel) on Sapele Road, creating a vital alternative artery for commuters evading the main federal highway's bottlenecks.

"This is more than a road—it's a lifeline for our communities," beamed 75-year-old resident Pa. Sunday Idemudia, a lifelong witness to the route's neglect.

Speaking to reporters amid the festivities, Idemudia, who has lived in the area for over seven decades, recounted how the old road—first paved in the late 1960s—has languished through successive administrations in the old Midwest, Bendel, and now Edo states.

"No government before now saw its worth as a bypass. Governor Okpebholo's wisdom and practical approach have finally brought hope. This will open up trade and ease our daily struggles.", he added

The sentiment echoed across the divide, with residents from Ugbor and Amagba axes lauding the project for its potential to invigorate local economies.

"Traders like us have suffered endless hours in traffic, losing business. This bypass will change everything—faster deliveries, more customers, and real growth," said market woman Efe Ojo, clutching a wrapper.

Governor Okpebholo's administration has positioned the reconstruction as a cornerstone of its infrastructure agenda, leveraging increased federal allocations under President Bola Tinubu to fund such "people-centered" initiatives.

Works on the old Sapele Road commenced in May 2025 as remedial efforts to divert heavy vehicular traffic from the main artery, a move experts say could slash commute times by up to 50%.

Sources close to the firm revealed that excavation and gutter construction in critical sections like Okhoghobi and Evbuokhun have advanced rapidly, with full completion targeted within the next 18 months.

Yet, not all voices were unanimous in acclaim. Madam Janet Osagie, a civil servant navigating the daily snarl, voiced measured concerns.

"We're grateful for this gesture after years of abandonment, but why the focus here when the main Benin-Sapele Road crawls at a snail's pace? Federal contractors need the same urgency—our suffering isn't selective."

Her query underscores broader frustrations, as the governor himself summoned federal contractors in August 2025 over delays on the primary highway, vowing sanctions and enhanced state-federal collaboration to expedite delivery.

Despite the critique, the overwhelming mood remained festive, with community leaders organizing impromptu thanksgivings.

"This is practical governance at work—transparent, accountable, and for the Edo people," one elder declared, echoing Okpebholo's May pledge to utilize Federal Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) funds for tangible relief.

For families long hemmed in by gridlock, the rumble of bulldozers signals not just smoother roads, but a smoother future.

Edo's "New Dawn," as the administration brands it, appears to be gaining traction—one kilometer at a time.