Governor Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta has began the process of reconnecting Kokori to its historic oil legacy through the ongoing N12 billion rehabilitation project.
The project involves the reconstruction of the Erhoike–Kokori–Isiokolo–Okpara-Inland–Ovu–Oviorie–Ekpan Road in Ethiope East Local Government Area, a development seen as vital to the region’s economic and historical significance.
The State Commissioner for Works (Highways and Urban Roads), Mr Reuben Izeze, made this known yesterday during an inspection tour of the 35.32-kilometre project.
He described the project as a clear reflection of the governor’s “Opportunities for All” agenda aimed at addressing long-standing infrastructural neglect.
According to Izeze, the project is symbolic, as Kokori once played a pivotal role in Nigeria’s oil history through the production of Brent crude, commonly called “Kokori sweet crude” because of its low sulphur content and high global value.
He noted that in spite of its contribution to national revenue, the community and surrounding areas had suffered years of neglect, making the road intervention both strategic and restorative.
Izeze explained that the rehabilitation work involved the repair of failed road sections, stabilisation of weak spots, asphalt overlay as the final wearing course among others.
He revealed that special attention was being paid to drainage, citing the inspection of a critical 1.3-kilometre drainage channel at Oviorie designed to discharge storm water into the Ethiope River through Ovu.
Izeze emphasised that effective drainage was key to the road’s lifespan.
He disclosed that the contractor, Levante, had been active on the site for about three months, excluding the Christmas period, and fully resumed work in January.
The commissioner expressed satisfaction with both the pace and quality of the project.
He noted that the construction firm had a proven track record of meeting engineering standards in previous jobs.
He commended the governor for approving the rehabilitation of a road that had not received major attention in over two decades, describing the decision as clear evidence of inclusive governance.
Izeze added that the project would have a significant economic impact on Ethiope East, a largely agrarian area, by reducing travel time, easing the transportation of farm produce, and boosting trading activities.
He said the road rehabilitation underscored the administration’s commitment to correcting infrastructure deficits in oil-producing and farming communities across the state.
The inspection covered the entire stretch of the road linking Isiokolo, Kokori, Oviorie, Ovu and Ekpan, where it connects with the Amukpe Expressway, to ensure comprehensive execution.
The commissioner visited the ongoing construction of Okowa Crescent in Ughelli, Ughelli North Local Government Area, where he expressed satisfaction with the quality of work.