By Jemimah Wellington, JKNMedia Reporter
ADDRESSING THE poor condition of several federal roads within the state, the Delta State government says it has been working actively to ensure unhindered transportation of goods and services for the citizens.
Highlighting the initiative during an inspection of the ongoing rehabilitation of the old Umutu-Abraka-Eku Road in Abraka, Ethiope East Local Government Area, the State Commissioner for Works (Rural and Riverine Roads), Mr. Charles Aniagwu, made the statement.
He also noted that the state Governor Sheriff Oborevwori has expressed his commitment to completing the road as an alternative route to the deteriorated Umutu/Eku Road.
Aniagwu, accompanied by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Sir Festus Ahon, and the Acting Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Works (Rural and Riverine Roads), Engr. Solomon Aghagba, emphasized the urgency of the state’s intervention while urging the Federal Government to expedite the reconstruction of the Agbor-Abraka-Amukpe road, which it had earlier initiated work from the Amukpe end, expressed the need for faster progress to provide a viable commuting option.
He said that historically, Delta State has taken proactive measures to improve federal roads, with significant projects like the Ughelli-Asaba Expressway being prime examples, added that the state’s intervention aims to benefit both residents and Nigerians at large, despite federal responsibilities and the allocation of substantial revenue for such tasks.
Aniagwu also stressed the importance of the FG fulfilling its obligations, given its significant share of national revenue.
The commissioner acknowledged challenges faced during the road project, such as skyrocketing construction material prices and additional necessary works like the Mudi Beach Road in Abraka.
Despite these setbacks however, Aniagwu praised the contractor’s progress and expressed the intention to review the contract pricing to accelerate completion.
On the contrary, he condemned the obstruction of drainage systems by developers, warning of potential flooding risks and urging local residents and engineers to prevent such activities.
At the Okan Junction to Agbarho Road, he commended the contractor’s efficiency and quality, noting that Governor Oborevwori remains focused on completing projects initiated during his administration.
During the inspection of the Esezi Road dualisation project in Orerokpe, Aniagwu reiterated the state’s commitment to advancing infrastructure under the Governor’s MORE Agenda when its impact was acknowledged by HRM Maj-Gen Felix Mujakperuo, Orhue I, the Orodje of Okpe Kingdom and Chairman of the Delta State Traditional Rulers Council.
The monarch, he said, had highlighted the administration’s achievements in road construction without incurring debt, underscoring the use of state resources and the involvement of reputable contractors like Julius Berger.
Maj-Gen Mujakperuo also lauded the governor’s understanding of the people’s needs and expressed hope for continued progress beyond the current term as he emphasized the importance of preventing disruptions to government projects, citing his own kingdom’s policies and past enforcement actions.
In response, Aniagwu commended the Orodje for his support and reiterated the state’s dedication to ensuring that projects adhere to the approved Bill of Quantities.
He also gave assurance that local participation in road construction would be encouraged, provided it aligns with timely and quality delivery standards and affirmed that the state governor’s MORE initiative would continue to drive development across Delta State.
