In keeping with his MORE Agenda, Delta State Governor Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori is stepping up efforts to ensure that infrastructural projects across the 25 Local Government Areas (LGAs) are executed to specification, on time, and to the highest quality standards in line with international best practice.
The Governor stated this through his Special Adviser on Project Monitoring and Audit, Engr. Dr. Goodnews Agbi and noted that quality and accountability must never be compromised at any. point in time
Engr. Agbi maintained that the government is ‘ferociously’ beaming its spotlights on ongoing constructions across the state with a responsibility to flag and blacklist erring contractors. He made the statement during an inspection of the ongoing construction of the six-lane access road to the Asaba Waterfront City in Oshimili South LGA, Agbi acknowledged the substantial progress made but emphasized the need for improved finishing, particularly at the median.
“Delta State Government is particular about quality,” Agbi stated. “Your slab and steel works are commendable, but the median needs a better finish. Let’s maintain the standard across every component.”
The CEO of North China Construction Nigeria Limited, Mr. Osadebe Osakwe, revealed that the project is already 75% complete, well ahead of the one-year scheduled timeline, but requests government intervention to remove a building obstructing progress and clear a six-meter setback especially between Channel 600 and 300. Osakwe also clarified that a separate government project is addressing water channeling in the area.
The Special Adviser also visited the Ellu/Ovrode/Ofagbe/Orie-Irri/Okpe-Isoko/Uro Irri/Ada-Irri Road reconstruction cutting across Isoko North and South LGAs, where he confirmed that earlier community disputes have been amicably resolved, he made a promise to revisit the site for frequently for further evaluation and on the spot assessment.
On-site engineer Engr. Henry Onuorah appealed for continued community support, noting that the road elevation is being raised to prevent flooding.
“We understand their concerns, but the new road is being built higher with culverts inserted to manage water flow. Asphalt laying is scheduled for October,” Onuorah added.
In Idheze Town, Isoko South LGA, Agbi inspected Phase 1 of the internal road construction, where he directed the contractor to improve the excavation depth and stick strictly to the Bill of Engineering Measurement and Evaluation (BEME).
The contractor assured that concerns have been addressed and the project should be completed by October. The Chairman of Idheze community, Mr. Joseph Okoro, and Youth Leader, Mr. Louis Agbidi, both affirmed that earlier issues with the project have been resolved and commended the project monitoring team for its proactive approach.
The Special Adviser also made a stop at the failed Uzere–Asaba – Ase culverts currently being reconstructed and road rehabilitation in Ndokwa East and Isoko South LGAs, applauding the Oborevwori-led administration for responding to community demands noting that these roads and bridges, when completed, will stand the test of time.
On a final note, Engr. Agbi promised Deltans of this administration’s sustained field inspections, community engagement, and a zero-tolerance approach to substandard work, noting that the Governor’s clear message of zero-tolerance to substandard work is reverberating across board and sending the intended message that Delta State is serious about delivering durable infrastructure across its LGAs.
