Residents and property owners of Obaseki Street in the Ikpoba Hill axis of Benin City have commended Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, for intervening in the decades-long gully erosion that has devastated the community for over 20 years.
The ravaging erosion had caused severe environmental and public health challenges, cutting off roads, disrupting business activities and forcing many residents to abandon their homes and properties.
However, the ongoing construction of an underground drainage system by the Okpebholo-led administration has brought renewed hope and relief to the area.
Speaking to journalists, 80-year-old Mrs Mercy Omoruyi said the community had suffered neglect for years until the current administration came to their rescue.
“We have been facing this gully erosion for over 20 years. Successive governments abandoned us in this condition, but Governor Monday Okpebholo came to our rescue in less than two months after visiting this area.
“This place used to be a refuse dump, and we faced serious health challenges. Today, those problems are becoming a thing of the past. The governor’s intervention has saved us and our properties. I pray God gives him strength to complete this project for our benefit,” she said.
Another resident, Mr Kelvin Malagu, who has lived in the area since 1994, described the intervention as unprecedented.
“Several governments made promises, but this is the first time we are seeing real action. Many landlords who abandoned their properties due to the gully are now returning. We finally feel we have a government that truly cares about the people,” he said.
Similarly, Mr Tayo Omodogbe said residents had lived in fear for over 26 years, especially during the rainy season.
“Whenever it rained, we feared our houses would be swept away. Many people relocated, but today we feel safe again. We are happy with the pace of work and grateful to Governor Okpebholo for bringing development to Obaseki Street,” he said.
The area is now wearing a new look as construction work progresses steadily, restoring confidence and encouraging displaced residents to return.
Governor Okpebholo recently visited the site, where he inspected the erosion control project and explained that the underground drainage system under construction is designed to channel floodwaters from Obaseki Street and surrounding areas directly into the Ikpoba River.
The project is also aimed at addressing persistent flooding along the Benin–Auchi Road near the Court of Appeal and the Edo State INEC Headquarters.
The site engineer, Mr Israel Ebhodaghe, explained that the area is highly erosion-prone due to blocked and inadequate drainage infrastructure.
“The existing underground drain was blocked and responsible for the erosion. We are now constructing a new underground drainage system, supported by smaller line drains that will channel water directly into the Ikpoba River.
“The drain spans about two kilometres and is critical to protecting all houses within the catchment area,” he said.
