THE Federal Government has applauded Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori for his proactive steps towards facilitating key infrastructural projects across the state. The govrnor was also lauded for his determination to entrench fiscal discipline in governance.
The Minister of Works, Engr. Dave Umahi, who made the commendation during the inspection of the Second Niger Bridge access road, commended Governor Oborevwori for his support in the successful realization of the Second Niger Bridge access road and other critical infrastructural developments in the state.
Speaking to journalists in Asaba during the inspection, Umahi, the former Governor of Ebonyi State, lauded Oborevwori for gazetting the right-of-way for the Second Niger Bridge access road extending to Issele-Azagba, and for personally overseeing the revocation and compensation processes related to affected property.
“Let me commend, very, very highly, the Governor of Delta State, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, because he has gazetted the right-of-way for the Second Niger Bridge access road to Issele-Azagba. He has revoked the necessary properties and he is paying compensation himself,” he said.
The minister urged other governors in the country to emulate Governor Oborevwori’s collaborative approach with the Federal Government, noting that state-level support could accelerate federal projects and deliver quicker results to local communities.
He said: “I also want to appreciate the synergy between the Delta State Government and the Federal Government on ongoing projects in the state. The proactive approach by the Delta State Government in taking over the payment of compensation to affected individuals has been instrumental in fast tracking these projects.
“I am confident this collaboration will yield positive results, and I assure the state government that the Federal Ministry of Works will honor its commitments”.
He also commended Governor Oborevwori for the ongoing construction of three flyovers and road expansion projects in Effurun, describing them as “very beautiful” and praising their unique design.
“I love the curves, and I have stolen that design and I am going to use it,” he said, highlighting the innovative flair seen in the projects.
Describing Oborevwori as a man of vision and progress, Umahi said: “Oborevwori has a very large heart and a very progressive mind. No wonder he is with us now. So, I commend him very highly.”
Earlier, during a visit to the Warri-Benin-Asaba Road, Umahi had expressed concern over the slow pace of work on the Effurun-Sapele section and urged the contractors to increase their speed so as to meet the project deadlines.
At the Benin-Asaba Expressway, which has begun to deteriorate with visible failed sections, the minister announced that reconstruction will soon begin, including the provision of side drains to improve durability and water flow.
Despite its commissioning a few months ago, Umahi said the level of progress on the access road remained disappointingly slow, urging the contractor to step up efforts immediately.
He reaffirmed that President Bola Tinubu was committed to delivering legacy infrastructure projects that will ease transportation across all regions. “Timely completion is crucial, and I expect all contractors to work diligently towards achieving this goal,” he said.
Speaking to newsmen, the Director of Highways, Bridges and Design, Federal Ministry of Works, said “we are currently at Section 2A of the Second Niger Bridge, specifically, the access road leading to the bridge. As you can see, work has commenced, and they are presently carrying out head filling with sharp sand. This process will continue for quite a distance, up to eight or nine kilometres.
“We’ve raised concerns regarding the slow pace of work and expect to see some improvement. In fact, we have issued a warning letter to the contractors addressing the delay and other issues. We are expecting a formal response from them.”
However, an official of CCECC assured that the work will progress at a faster level. We consider this project a priority, it’s the first phase of a larger initiative being overseen by our head office. We will be deploying more resources, both personnel and equipment, to accelerate the pace of work.
Speaking at the event the representative of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Dr. Kingsley Emu, reaffirmed the state’s commitment to a mutually beneficial partnership and ongoing collaboration with the Federal Government.
The Governor commended the Federal Government for its visible commitment to infrastructure renewal in the state.
He also lauded the Federal Government for the 17.6km access road from the Second Niger Bridge linking Delta State, as well as the proposed concrete rehabilitation of the four-lane, 5km road from Summit Junction to the Bridgehead.
The govrnor emphasized that the economic impact of these projects, once completed, cannot be overstated, and thanked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Minister of Works for their commitment to delivering them.
Among the sites visited were the East-West Road, Benin- Sapele Road, Benin-Asaba Expressway, and the Second Niger Bridge access road linking Asaba.
